December 5, 2010

Capital punishment, with the exception of a few years in the 1970s and 1980s, has been a part of Arkansas history since the late 1700s. Until 1913, when electrocution became the preferred method, hanging was the most common means of execution. The electric chair known as “Old Sparky,” two models of which were used over the years (the second is pictured here), was located at the Tucker Unit until 1964, when it was last used. Over 100 executions were carried out in these chairs.