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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Fort Smith National Historic Sitenewly sworn-in young US citizens and their families raise the garrison flag
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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." 

 

 
Click here to view a 96 page report (PDF) on the Fort Smith courtroom which includes historical information on the court and its original furnishings. 
 
Also check out:

Stories from the Federal Court Era
People of the Federal Court Era
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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Park staff and volunteers demonstrating using lindstock and slowmatch to ignite the cannon's primer  

Did You Know?
The soldiers who came to Fort Smith in 1817 were still using some 18th century technology and drill. The cannon was discharged using a lindstock and slowmatch to ignite the primer, which originally was loose powder or a turkey quill filled with powder.

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