For twenty-one years, Judge Isaac C. Parker presided over the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas. Parker may be the most recognized name associated with the Fort Smith court, but there were many others who worked for the federal court, including the deputy marshals, jailers, court clerks, and bailiffs. On the other side of the law were the men and women who were arrested in Indian Territory and charged with crimes ranging from theft to murder.
Federal Court at Fort Smith Information on federal court's jurisdiction and deputy marshals. more...
Law Enforcement at Fort Smith Unpublished manuscript by former NPS Historian Edwin C. Bearss on federal court period. more...
Interactive Panoramic Photo of Deputy Marshals Examine in detail a panoramic photograph of deputy marhals through an interactive program more...
Judge Parker's Biography link to story of Parker's life more...
Did You Know?
The only known image of Judge Parker in his courtroom is this one from the federal courthouse on Sixth Street which dates from the 1890s. There are no photographs of the courtroom located in the former military barracks.