Barracks, Courthouse, Jail

Wayside describing changes to the building over time

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

East side of the visitor center

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible

The first barracks on this site was completed in 1846 and burned three years later. It was rebuilt and remained in use until the US Army left Fort Smith in 1871. In 1872, the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas moved into the building, using one room as a courtroom and the other rooms as offices for the clerk, U.S. Marshal, and U.S. Commissioner. The basement was used as a jail.

In this building, Judge Isaac C. Parker presided over court cases from 1875-1889. In 1890, the court moved three blocks down the street to a new building. Public clamor over the conditions in the jail, which those confined called "Hell on the Border," led to the construction of a new jail in 1888 with more modern cell arrangements. This building, built next to the original barracks/courthouse/jail building, continued to serve as a federal jail until 1917.

The courthouse, which originally was a 1.5 story structure with full porches on two sides, was changed to its present appearance in 1890. The second story was added in 1891 for use as a hospital for the prisoners, and the long porches were removed and replaced with shorter ones.

Today, the two buildings serve as the park visitor center with a variety of exhibits about the history of Fort Smith and Indian Territory.