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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Fort Smith National Historic Sitepostcard detail of jail building with prison wagon in foreground and gallows to right
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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.
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 17:03 EST