University:
Felician University
Course:
HIST-110 | World Geography and Culture
Academic year:

2019
Views:

164

Pages:

10
Author:

larbiwxcvbn

Outlaws were often hunted by a mounted group of local lawmen called a posse. But they were reluctant to enter Indian Territory. In 1851, a federal court had been established for western Arkansas and Indian Territory. It had jurisdiction, or control, over all legal matters. Due to a variety of problems, it was largely ineffective until the 1870s. In 1875, former lawyer, judge, and congressman Isaac Parker was appointed to the Western District. On his first day, he found eight men guilty of murder and gave them all the death sentence. In the process, he picked up his nickname: “The Hanging Judge.” For the next 21 years, Judge Parker organized an army of U.S. deputy marshals to bring law and order to his district. These lawmen, like the outlaws they chased, were also an integrated group and included whites, Indians, and African Americans. Armed with warrants, handcuffs, and leg irons, the deputies would often be out for weeks while they hunted down criminals. Captured prisoners were taken back to Fort Smith in a mobile jail called a “Tumbleweed Wagon.” Bass Reeves, an outstanding deputy, was an ex-slave who spoke several Indian languages. Reeves was one of the first African-American marshals west of the Mississippi River. He was a master of disguise, often posing as a drifter. This is the real Bass Reeves. Judge Parker ordered a public gallows to be built. In 21 years, he sentenced 160 men to hang, although only 79 actually met that fate. The other 81 inmates won their appeals, were pardoned, or died in prison. The time after the Civil War brought many changes to the Territory. But few people were prepared for what would happen next.