Book Signing-Brandon Goldsmith

Join playwright Dr. Brandon Chase Goldsmith for a program and book signing. Dr. Goldsmith will discuss the in depth research behind the new play and book, The Western District, that addresses "Fourteen months and twenty days that defined the future of Fort Smith." The excellent research utilized primary sources to reveal the amazing story of "greed, corruption, and a mysterious death," in 1871-72 Fort Smith.On May 8, 1871, the Western District Court of Arkansas moved from Van Buren to the location famously known as Fort Smith’s “Hole in the Wall” saloon, a site that is today occupied by the restaurant, 21 West End. In only fourteen months and twenty days, it becomes the most corrupt courthouse in the entire United States. The play, The Western District, takes place during that time and reveals the true, never before told, story behind the founding of First National Bank and the real reasons why Judge Parker came to the Fort Smith.