Today, capital punishment is a controversial topic, in the United States and around the world. That wasn’t the case during the 1800s on America’s western frontier. Executions were public events drawing hundreds – sometimes thousands – of residents from miles around. Parents often brought their children, believing the youngsters should learn what happened to people who chose the wrong paths in life.

Goeres-Gardner also looks at the backgrounds of the condemned and their victims, the crimes and the investigations. The author uses trial records, witness testimony, newspaper reports and other historical records to bring to life each of the more than fifty cases included in Necktie Parties.

These stories give fascinating glimpses into frontier justice, early American justice reform, and jury selection techniques. Facts are footnoted and each story is thoroughly referenced. Necktie Parties will be a valuable addition to any library and a great read for all curious readers.

Necktie Parties is published by Caxton Press .