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Fort Smith National Historic Sitepostcard detail of jail building with prison wagon in foreground and gallows to right
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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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deputy marshals pose with their rifles for a formal portrait  

Did You Know?
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.

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