В Форт-Смит проведут реконструкцию суда над бандитом Чероки Билл и научный симпозиум

FORT SMITH -- The Fort Smith National Historic Site will remember the execution of one of the state's most renowned outlaws with a trial reenactment and a day-long symposium July 24-25. "The National Day of the American Cowboy Symposium: The 130th Execution Anniversary of Cherokee Bill" will commemorate the 130th anniversary of the execution of Cherokee Bill, according to a news release from Fort Smith National Historic Site. The weekend begins with a reenactment of Cherokee Bill's murder trial at 7 p.m. on July 24. "The focus will be on the events that unfolded after Bill's unsuccessful escape attempt, which tragically led to the loss of a jail guard's life," the release states. Attendance at this event requires a ticket, and tickets are free to the public. Tickets are available at the Fort Smith National Historic Site. There are only 50 seats available and tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis. On July 25, a group of historians will share insights about Cherokee Bill, his captor Deputy Ike Rogers, and the Freedmen of Indian Territory whose stories are intricately connected, the release states. The day will conclude with a guided walk through the jail and gallows, retracing the footsteps of Cherokee Bill. Saturday's speaker sessions are free and open to the public. However, seating is limited to 50 per program, according to the release. For more information, visit go.nps.gov to learn more. To make reservations, email Ranger Cody Faber at [email protected] or call the park at (479) 226-3727. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Symposium schedule 9-10 a.m. -- Book signing and author meet and greet Art Burton and Angela Walton-Raji, two of the speakers for the symposium, will be available for book signings and will also have books on hand for purchase. 10-11:30 a.m. -- "Cherokee Bill: Black Cowboy, Indian Outlaw" Art Burton will guide this session, drawing from his newly released book about Cherokee Bill. The program will feature a comprehensive look at Fort Smith's most notorious outlaw. 1-2:30 p.m. -- "Finding Ike Rogers" Nicka Sewell-Smith will lead the session, focusing on Ike Rogers, the Deputy U.S. Marshal responsible for capturing Cherokee Bill. 2:30-4 p.m. -- "The Cherokee Freedmen Community of Cherokee Bill." Led by Angela Walton-Raji, this session will delve into the history of Oklahoma Freedmen and their connections to both Deputy Ike Rogers and Cherokee Bill. 4-5 p.m. -- "In the Footsteps of Bill: A Courtroom, Jail and Gallows Tour" University of Arkansas Professor Tom Wing and Park Ranger Cody Faber will guide a tour, inviting attendees to retrace the steps of Cherokee Bill.