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

    Fort Smith

    National Historic Site AR,OK

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  • Road Construction I-540

    Traveling West on I-40? To avoid construction delays, do not take Exit 7 (I-540 S). Stay on I-40 west and take Exit 1 Dora. Stay on Hwy 64D for 6 miles and follow signs to Fort Smith. After crossing over the river, turn right on 4th ST & right on Garland. More »

Stories from the Federal Court Era

detail of late 19th century sketch of Fort Smith courtroom showing lawyers and prisoner

Detail of Courtroom Sketch

Collection of Fort Smith NHS

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

  • Deputy U.S. Marshals Deputy U.S. Marshals

    Stories and more information about the deputy marshals who served the federal court Read More

Did You Know?

Entrance to Visitor Center on south end of building

Fort Smith National Historic Site completed a major renovation of their Visitor Center in the summer of 2000.