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Fort Smith National Historic Site detail of postcard showing people in front of courthouse building
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Fort Smith National Historic Site
April 21, 1876 Execution
drawing of rope tied as a noose
On April 21, 1876, five men were executed on the gallows at Fort Smith.  With a motive of robbery, Gibson Ishtanubbee and Isham Seely murdered a white farmer and his housekeeper on May 10, 1873. William Leech also killed to rob his victim. He murdered his traveling companion on March 8, 1875, as they rode through the Cherokee Nation. When Orpheus McGee shot and killed Robert Alexander on April 20, 1874, he said he did so for revenge. McGee claimed that Alexander had murdered a friend of his. On October 12, 1875, Aaron Wilson killed James Harris with an axe and then shot and killed Harris' 12 year old son. Again, the motive was theft.

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Children and families helping to raise the garrison flag on Flag Day 2006

Did You Know?
The garrison flag flown on the old military parade ground of Fort Smith National Historic Site bears 37 stars and is 20 x 30'. On special occasions visitors assist in raising the huge flag.
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Last Updated: June 16, 2007 at 11:10 MST