U.S. Marshal Heck Thomas |
During the last quarter of the 19th century, the Indian Territory (now known as Oklahoma) was a wild and lawless frontier land. The only court with jurisdiction over this area was located in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Judge Isaac Parker was appointed judge of this court in 1875. During his 21 years on the bench, "Hanging" Judge Parker sentenced 160 men to die and hanged 79 of them-the rest died in prison or while trying to escape. Judge Parker had lots of help bringing ruthless criminals to justice. He had 200 deputy marshals who chased criminals throughout Indian Territory and would even follow them through Arkansas - sometimes coming to Little Rock or the little town across the river known as Argenta (now known as North Little Rock). Argenta's town sheriff often helped these men track the desperadoes when they came into central Arkansas.
Come meet Argenta's City Marshal Joe Ruffner and United States Marshal Heck Thomas, one of Judge Parker's top marshals, as they stop at the Old State House to advertise wanted posters and to talk about 19th-century law enforcement techniques. You'll even get to see the actual handcuffs and badges used by the marshals when they arrest a criminal. These lawmen have come to Little Rock with the hopes that after viewing the wanted posters, one of our young visitors will be able to identify the desperate criminals they're searching for. Only beware! Don't try to put a fast one over on these top law officials. They might just send YOU back to the Hanging Judge!
The Argenta Marshals program is made up of employees from the North Little Rock Police Department. This program lasts approximately 20-25 minutes and takes place at the beginning or end of one of the Old State House Museum's youth tours. Reservations must be made in advance; please keep in mind that the program is only available at the convenience of the participating police officers.
See also the Fall 1994 issue of the Arkansas News on “Crime & Punishment in Arkansas.”
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