National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Support the National Park Service
Fort Smith National Historic SitePark staff and volunteers dressed as first fort soldiers prepare to fire cannon
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Fort Smith National Historic Site
September 8, 1876 Execution
drawing of rope tied as noose
On September 8, 1876, the federal court at Fort Smith carried out the death sentences of four men. Each had been convicted of murder in a jury trial. After being accused of theft by James Hanson, Samuel Peters visited his home and stabbed Hanson's wife to death. Osey Sanders protested his innocence but was found guilty of the robbery and murder of Thomas S. Carlyle. John Valley was also convicted of robbery and murder, but blamed his crime on whiskey. Sinker Wilson murdered a sheep drover named Datus Cowan in 1867. He was arrested, convicted and sentenced that year, but escaped jail and remained at large for nine years until captured early in 1876.
Park staff and volunteers demonstrating using lindstock and slowmatch to ignite the cannon's primer  

Did You Know?
The soldiers who came to Fort Smith in 1817 were still using some 18th century technology and drill. The cannon was discharged using a lindstock and slowmatch to ignite the primer, which originally was loose powder or a turkey quill filled with powder.

Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: June 16, 2007 at 11:20 EST