1st and 2nd Jail

Interior of the first jail, known as "Hell on the Border."

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Inside the Visitor Center

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible

Explore exhibits in the first and second jails inside the Visitor Center during open hours.

What's the difference between a jail and a prison? A jail is for people charged with a crime and need to be held until a trial. People who are found guilty and sentenced to less than one year also go to jail. If a sentence is more than one year, they are sent to prison. Fort Smith was home to two different jails.

Hell on the Border Jail: 1872 - 1888

In 1872, the basement of the former enlisted men's barracks was converted to a jail. There was no heating, cooling, or cross ventilation. Hygiene was poor. The horrid conditions led to the jail's nickname, "Hell on the Border." Read more about the first jail at Fort Smith.

Second Jail: 1888 - 1917

The second jail, completed in 1888, was a major improvement. It had three tiers of cells. Each cell held two men. Prisoners were divided by their crimes; lesser offenses on the top tier and the lowest level was known as “murder’s row” or “death row”.