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Fort Smith National Historic Sitehistoric sketch of Parker, jury men and others
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Fort Smith National Historic Site
People of the Federal Court Era (1872-1896)
 

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.

Also check out Stories from the Federal Court Era.

Fort Smith courthouse and jail c. 1870s
Federal Court at Fort Smith
Information on federal court's jurisdiction and deputy marshals.
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reproduction U.S. Deputy Marshal badge
Law Enforcement at Fort Smith
Unpublished manuscript by former NPS Historian Edwin C. Bearss on federal court period.
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detail of deputy marshals in front of courthouse building
Interactive Panoramic Photo of Deputy Marshals
Examine in detail a panoramic photograph of deputy marhals through an interactive program
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detail of courtroom drawing of Judge Parker
Judge Parker's Biography
link to story of Parker's life
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Parker seated at his bench in 6th Street courtroom  

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.

Last Updated: July 17, 2007 at 16:00 EST