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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Fort Smith National Historic Sitehistoric sketch of Parker, jury men and others
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Fort Smith National Historic Site
April 23, 1886 Execution
noose
Joseph Jackson and James Wasson were executed on April 23, 1886.  Both of these men were found guilty of murder in jury trials held before Judge Isaac C. Parker. Jackson shot and killed his wife, Mary, on March 9, 1885 at Oak Lodge in the Choctaw Nation. Although Wasson was wanted for an 1872 murder of a man named Henry Martin, he eluded capture until 1884. At that time, a large reward was offered for his arrest in connection with the murder of Almarine Watkins. He was convicted for this crime.
 
foundation remains of first fort overlooking Arkansas River  

Did You Know?
The U.S. Army selected a spot overlooking the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers for the site of a fort. Soldiers from the Rifle Regiment arrived in 1817 and named the site Fort Smith after their commanding officer, Thomas A. Smith.

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Last Updated: June 16, 2007 at 13:51 EST