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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Fort Smith National Historic Siteearly 20th century postcards of Fort Smith
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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
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Interior of jail cell with box for prisoners to visit with their lawyers  

Did You Know?
The conditions at the federal jail at Fort Smith were so horrible that it received the nickname "Hell on the Border." Up to 50 men were crowded into one large cell with limited ventilation and poor sanitary conditions.

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Last Updated: July 20, 2007 at 14:24 EST