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Fort Smith National Historic Sitesidewalk path along Arkansas River
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Fort Smith National Historic Site
July 23, 1886 Execution
noose
Calvin James and Lincoln Sprole were executed at Fort Smith on July 23, 1886.  The two men had been tried and found guilty for two separate crimes.  In August 1885, Calvin James traveled with three other men to Texas to acquire a supply of whiskey. During the trip, James shot and killed one of his companions in order to take the four gallons he had purchased. The other men with James later served as witnesses against him. In May 1885, Lincoln Sprole worked on a farm in the Chickasaw Nation. A disagreement with Benjamin Clark, who lived on the farm, escalated to violence. While Clark and his son were returning home one day, Sprole suddenly appeared from a thicket by the roadside. He shot and killed them both.
Lady Bird Johnson speaking at Fort Smith NHS dedication  

Did You Know?
Lady Bird Johnson came to Fort Smith National Historic Site to dedicate the park on October 27, 1964.

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Last Updated: June 16, 2007 at 15:30 EST