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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Fort Smith National Historic Sitehigh water in Arkansas River along walking trail
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Fort Smith National Historic Site
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jailers and guards on courthouse steps wearing uniforms

Collection of Fort Smith NHS

Federal jailers on courthouse steps

For 50 years, soldiers from the U.S. Army made their home at Fort Smith.  After the fort was closed, federal employees began working in the former military barracks.  Judge Parker held court there from 1875-1889 and those awaiting their trial were housed in the jail buildings.
 
photograph of George Winston as older man. He served the court as baliff for many years.

FOSM Collection

George Winston
Court Baliff

The federal court at Fort Smith employed a large number of people during the time it had jurisdiction over Indian Territory. Click here for more information the deputy marshals and other court officials.
Judge Parker as he looked when he arrived at Fort Smith in 1875.
Judge Parker c. 1875
biography, speeches, interviews, obituary, and other information on Parker
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drawing detail showing execution of Cherokee Bill with condemned standing on gallows
Executions at Fort Smith
From 1873 through 1896, eighty-six men were executed on the gallows at Fort Smith.
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posed picture of deputy marshals holding rifles
U.S. Deputy Marshals
The federal court employed deputy marshals, baliffs, jailers, and other court personnel.
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13th Kansas lined up in downtown Fort Smith 1864
Units Stationed At Fort Smith 1817-1871
List of Companies and Detachments at Fort Smith
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foundation remains of first fort overlooking Arkansas River  

Did You Know?
The U.S. Army selected a spot overlooking the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers for the site of a fort. Soldiers from the Rifle Regiment arrived in 1817 and named the site Fort Smith after their commanding officer, Thomas A. Smith.

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Last Updated: February 19, 2007 at 12:27 EST