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Fort Smith National Historic Sitehigh water in Arkansas River along walking trail
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Fort Smith National Historic Site
Federal Court Era Places (1872-1896)
 
interior of courtoom as it looks today with Judge's bench in center of wall
Memories by Jody
Restored Courtroom of Judge Isaac C. Parker

Today visitors come to Fort Smith to see the federal courthouse used by Judge Isaac C. Parker from 1875-1889.  However, the building was originally the military barracks and not ideally suited for a courthouse.  The courtroom was small and not lavishly furnished.  The former mess halls in the basement were converted into two large jail cells, nicknamed "Hell on the Border." 

 

 
 
reconstructed gallows with 3 nooses hanging from crossbeam
Gallows
A reconstructed gallows stands on the site of the original structure.
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jail wagon in front of courthouse
Postcards of Federal Court Era Buildings
Postcards of Fort Smith federal courthouses and jails
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Portrait of Anna Dawes  

Did You Know?
A woman was responsible for the building of a modern federal jail at Fort Smith, AR, in 1888. Anna Dawes, daughter of Sen. Dawes of MA, visited the "Hell on the Border" jail in 1885 and wrote an article describing its conditions. When read in Congress, money was quickly approved for a new jail.

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Last Updated: July 17, 2007 at 16:26 EST