National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Fort Smith National Historic Sitepostcard detail of jail building with prison wagon in foreground and gallows to right
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Fort Smith National Historic Site
April 8, 1887 Execution
noose
Patrick McCarty was hanged on April 8, 1887 for murdering Thomas Mahoney and his brother in the Cherokee Nation. The Mahoney brothers were Kansas farmers who worked with a grading crew on the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad during the winter. On February 17, 1886, McCarty was a traveling companion with the Mahoneys who were returning to Fort Scott, Kansas. When the brothers were alseep, McCarty killed them both, one with a gunshot to the head and the other with an axe. He robbed them of two teams and wagons and $200. McCarty's execution was originally scheduled for January 14, 1887, but he was given a respite while President Grover Cleveland reviewed his case.
reproduction of keelboat on Arkansas River with first fort soldier reenactors  

Did You Know?
Fort Smith was established on Christmas Day, 1817. Approximately 70 Rifle Regiment soldiers arrived by keelboat after a long journey on the Arkansas River.

Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: June 16, 2007 at 15:59 EST