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Fort Smith National Historic SiteNewly sworn-in young American citizens and their families raise the huge garrison flag at the park.
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Fort Smith National Historic Site
Stories from the Federal Court Era
 
detail of late 19th century sketch of Fort Smith courtroom showing lawyers and prisoner
Collection of Fort Smith NHS
Detail of Courtroom Sketch

The heroic deeds of Fort Smith's deputy marshals and the heinous crimes of outlaws in the Indian Territory have provided inspiration for numerous novels and movies. But, the true stories of the men and women associated with the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas at Fort Smith are just as fascinating as the fictional depictions. 

Also check out:
People of the Federal Court Era
Federal Court Era Places
posed photograph of deputy marshals
Deputy U.S. Marshals
Stories and more information about the deputy marshals who served the federal court
more...
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 20, 2007 at 14:24 EST