The U.S. Jail as pictured circa 1870s on a 1911 postcard was the soldiers' barracks prior to the Civil War. It became a courtroom and jail before Isaac C. Parker took over as federal judge of the Western Arkansas District and Indian Territory in 1875. All prisoners were kept together in the  basement jail which was lice riden and rat infested. As many as 110 men were kept there at one time. Bad press reports of the jail eventually resulted in action taken to alleviate the terrible sanitary conditions. in 1887-1888. A new three-story brick building was constructed adjoining the court house.