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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Fort Smith National Historic SitePark staff and volunteers dressed as first fort soldiers prepare to fire cannon
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Fort Smith National Historic Site
June 26, 1885 Execution
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James Arcine and William Parchmeal were executed in Fort Smith on June 26, 1885 for a murder they committed thirteen years earlier.  In November of 1872 Henry Feigel, a native of Sweden, was traveling in the Cherokee Nation. He was overtaken by two Cherokee Indians, James Arcine and William Parchmeal. They shot Feigel four times, crushed his skull with a large rock, and robbed the body of its clothing and 25 cents. Thirteen years passed before a diligent deputy marshal gathered the evidence to arrest Arcine and Parchmeal. Although a first trial ended in a hung jury, the second attempt resulted in a guilty verdict. Both men later confessed to the crime on the gallows.
Lady Bird Johnson speaking at Fort Smith NHS dedication  

Did You Know?
Lady Bird Johnson came to Fort Smith National Historic Site to dedicate the park on October 27, 1964.

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Last Updated: June 16, 2007 at 13:45 EST