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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Fort Smith National Historic Sitedetail of postcard showing old fort with quartermaster building and powder magazine
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Fort Smith National Historic Site
September 8, 1876 Execution
drawing of rope tied as noose
On September 8, 1876, the federal court at Fort Smith carried out the death sentences of four men. Each had been convicted of murder in a jury trial. After being accused of theft by James Hanson, Samuel Peters visited his home and stabbed Hanson's wife to death. Osey Sanders protested his innocence but was found guilty of the robbery and murder of Thomas S. Carlyle. John Valley was also convicted of robbery and murder, but blamed his crime on whiskey. Sinker Wilson murdered a sheep drover named Datus Cowan in 1867. He was arrested, convicted and sentenced that year, but escaped jail and remained at large for nine years until captured early in 1876.
Trail of Tears Routes  

Did You Know?
The Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, (Muscogee) Creek and Seminole Indian tribes were forcibly moved to Indian Territory on what became known as the Trail of Tears. The Arkansas River served as a water route to Fort Smith where they received supplies before crossing the river into Indian Territory.

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Last Updated: June 16, 2007 at 11:20 EST