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
 
 
Find a National Park Near You
Fort Smith National Historic Site detail of early 20th century postcard of Poteau River
view map
text size: largest larger normal
printer friendly
Fort Smith National Historic Site
August 30, 1889 Execution
noose
On August 30, 1889 Jack Spaniard and William Walker were executed.  Both men had been found guilty by a jury of the crime of murder.  Jack Spaniard (or Sevier) shot and killed Deputy Marshal William Irwin in April 1886. The motive was to gain the release of Felix Griffin, a horse thief in Irwin's custody. Although other men may have participated in the killing, they were never captured and the jury found Spaniard solely responsible. William Walker killed Calvin Church in the Choctaw Nation in December 1888. While admitting his role in the murder, Walker claimed that he had been hired by another man to kill Church. He was to receive ten dollars and two quarts of whiskey for the crime.

You are exiting the National Park Service website

Thank you for visiting our site.

You will now be redirected to:

We hope your visit was informative and enjoyable.
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.
Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: June 16, 2007 at 17:03 MST