Judge Isaac C. Parker Federal Building

The Judge Isaac C. Parker Federal Building is a three-story federal courthouse in Fort Smith with red brick walls and limestone detailing. The structure houses multiple government agencies and continues to serve as an active courthouse for the Western District of Arkansas.

Built in 1937, this courthouse replaced an earlier Romanesque federal building from 1889 that had served the Western District of Arkansas for nearly five decades. The replacement reflected the region's growth and the need for more modern judicial facilities.

The third-floor courtroom maintains its original oak doors and architectural elements, representing the formal judicial practices of the American legal system.

The building has stairs and elevators providing access to various levels and courtrooms throughout the structure. Visitors should expect standard security screening when entering an active federal courthouse.

The building was named in 1996 after Judge Isaac C. Parker, a judge who presided over thousands of cases during the late 1800s. Parker's lengthy tenure made him a key figure in western judicial history.

Location: Arkansas

GPS coordinates: 35.38611,-94.42667

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:01