• Rifle Regiment arriving at Belle Point, 1817. Artwork by Michael Haynes

    Fort Smith

    National Historic Site AR,OK

People of the Federal Court Era (1872-1896)

For twenty-one years, Judge Isaac C. Parker presided over the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas. Parker may be the most recognized name associated with the Fort Smith court, but there were many others who worked for the federal court, including the deputy marshals, jailers, court clerks, and bailiffs. On the other side of the law were the men and women who were arrested in Indian Territory and charged with crimes ranging from theft to murder.

Also check out Stories from the Federal Court Era.

  • Interactive Panoramic Photo of Deputy Marshals Interactive Panoramic Photo of Deputy Marshals

    Examine in detail a panoramic photograph of deputy marhals through an interactive program Read More

  • Federal Court at Fort Smith Federal Court at Fort Smith

    Information on federal court's jurisdiction and deputy marshals.

  • Law Enforcement at Fort Smith Law Enforcement at Fort Smith

    Unpublished manuscript by former NPS Historian Edwin C. Bearss on federal court period.

  • Judge Parker's Biography Judge Parker's Biography

    link to story of Parker's life Read More

Did You Know?

deputy marshals pose with their rifles for a formal portrait

Fort Smith National Historic Site has records of over 1,770 people employed by the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas from 1872-1896.  The majority of these employees were U.S. Deputy Marshals.