Date of Award

10-12-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Rhetoric and Writing

First Advisor

Heidi Harris

Abstract

For the first time, contemporary records of the 1870s, 1880s and 1890s, including interviews with George Maledon, have been used to document that George Maledon, known for almost 150 years as “The Prince of Hangmen,” was, despite his contentions, not the hangman for all of the murderers executed in Fort Smith, Arkansas, between 1873 and 1896. Rather, his legendary status came as a result of his manipulation of sensationalist reporters who came to Fort Smith to witness the hangings and whose stories were reprinted around the country.

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