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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
September 20, 1894 Execution
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John Pointer, age 21, was executed on the Fort Smith gallows on September 20, 1894.  In December of 1891, Pointer, a native of Arkansas, was traveling from Texas to Eureka Springs in the company of William Bolding and Ed Vandever. On Christmas night, the group camped in the Choctaw Nation. The next morning the bodies of Bolding and Vandever were found in a creek, each killed by blows from an axe. Deputy marshals arrested Pointer as he tried to dispose of the wagon and team in McAlester, Choctaw Nation. Found guilty by a Fort Smith jury, Pointer appealed his case to the U.S. Supreme Court. The original verdict was upheld.
Children and families helping to raise the garrison flag on Flag Day 2006  

Did You Know?
The garrison flag flown on the old military parade ground of Fort Smith National Historic Site bears 37 stars and is 20 x 30'. On special occasions visitors assist in raising the huge flag.

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Last Updated: June 19, 2007 at 12:09 EST