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Fort Smith National Historic Sitenewly sworn-in young US citizens and their families raise the garrison flag
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Fort Smith National Historic Site
July 23, 1886 Execution
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Calvin James and Lincoln Sprole were executed at Fort Smith on July 23, 1886.  The two men had been tried and found guilty for two separate crimes.  In August 1885, Calvin James traveled with three other men to Texas to acquire a supply of whiskey. During the trip, James shot and killed one of his companions in order to take the four gallons he had purchased. The other men with James later served as witnesses against him. In May 1885, Lincoln Sprole worked on a farm in the Chickasaw Nation. A disagreement with Benjamin Clark, who lived on the farm, escalated to violence. While Clark and his son were returning home one day, Sprole suddenly appeared from a thicket by the roadside. He shot and killed them both.
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 15:30 EST