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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Fort Smith National Historic SiteCherokee Bill on scaffold with noose hanging above his head. His mother stands next to him.
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Fort Smith National Historic Site
October 10, 1873 Execution
drawing of rope tied as a noose
On October 10, 1873, two men were executed on the gallows at Fort Smith. Tunagee (alias Tuni) and Young Wolf were Cherokee Indians who had killed two trappers on the Grand River in the Cherokee Nation. The motive for the crime was apparently robbery, but the culprits only secured a few steel traps and other items of little value. Both men were sentenced by Judge William Story and were among the seven men hanged for murder before the arrival of Judge Isaac C. Parker
Parker seated at his bench in 6th Street courtroom  

Did You Know?
The only known image of Judge Parker in his courtroom is this one from the federal courthouse on Sixth Street which dates from the 1890s. There are no photographs of the courtroom located in the former military barracks.

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Last Updated: June 16, 2007 at 16:37 EST