From until , the federal court conducted executions on the grounds of the courthouse. The gallows scaffold was located against the southeast corner of the wall that surrounded the old fort. From through , eighty-six men were executed on the gallows at Fort Smith. All the men executed were convicted of rape or murder. After the Civil War, there was a mandatory federal death sentence in cases of rape or murder. The seven executions open to the general public attracted large crowds, often coming from the surrounding area.
After , when executions were conducted privately, between spectators were present on average. Show 10 Skip to global NPS navigation Skip to this park navigation Skip to the main content Skip to this park information section Skip to the footer section. National Park Service Search Search.
Exiting nps. Info Alerts Maps Calendar Fees. Loading alerts. Alerts In Effect Dismiss. Dismiss View all alerts. Contact Us. Men Executed at Fort Smith: to Execution of Crawford Goldsby, alias Cherokee Bill, March 17, From until , the federal court conducted executions on the grounds of the courthouse. Execution Data Notes about the the table. Execution Statistics. Statistical Overview Executions occur for 23 years August 15, to July 30, 86 men put to death total, in 39 separate executions of the 86 total, 79 men were put to death during Judge Parker's tenure Number of men executed at one time 18 executions of one man 9 executions of two men 5 executions of three men 2 executions of four men 3 executions of five men 2 executions of six men.
Disposition of Cases During Parker's Tenure people including 4 women were sentenced to death by Judge Parker 43 commuted to life or lesser prison sentences by the President 2 Pardoned by the President 31 appeals resulted in acquittals or overturned convictions 2 granted new trials and later discharged 1 shot and killed while attempting to escape 2 died in jail while awaiting execution.
Public vs. Private Executions 7 executions were open to the general public 32 executions allowed only a limited number of spectators Attendance at public executions The seven executions open to the general public attracted large crowds, often coming from the surrounding area. Tags: execution gallows. Last updated: May 31, Stay Connected. Information about the men executed on the gallows at Fort Smith.
