Courthouse and courtroom

The historic courtroom at Fort Smith National Historic Site.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Inside the Visitor Center

Amenities

4 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Internet/WiFi Available, Open Captioning, Wheelchair Accessible

Between 1872 and 1896, three judges presided over the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas, the largest federal jurisdiction of the time. The most well-known judge of this court was Judge Isaac C. Parker.

The courtroom is located inside the visitor center and museum at Fort Smith National Historic Site. Find our hours of operation.

William Story 1871-1874

William Story (1843-1921) was nominated by President Grant and confirmed on March 3, 1871. In June of 1874, he resigned due to allegations of graft and corruption. He moved to Colorado and served as Lieutenant Governor from 1891 to 1893.

Henry Clay Caldwell 1874-1875

In 1864, Henry Caldwell was nominated and confirmed as the judge for the Western District of Arkansas. In 1871, he was reassigned as judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas. After Judge Story resigned in 1874, Judge Caldwell severed as an interim until Judge Parker arrived in 1875. He remained in Eastern Arkansas until 1890 when he was appointed as Judge to the U.S. Circuit Courts for the Eight Circuit. He was reassigned to the U.S Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in 1891. Judge Henry Clay Caldwell retired on June 4, 1903.

Isaac C. Parker 1875-1896

Isaac Parker was nominated and confirmed as judge for the Western District of Arkansas including Indian Territory in March of 1875. This was his courtroom until 1890 when a new courthouse was built on the corner of 6th and Rogers. He remained in this position until his death on November 17, 1896.