Who is Bass Reeves?

Born to slave parents in 1838 in Paris Texas, Bass Reeves would become the first black U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi River and one of the greatest frontier heroes in our nation’s history.

Over the 35 years that Bass Reeves served as a Deputy United States Marshal, he earned his place in history by being one of the most effective lawmen in Indian Territory and bringing in more than 3,000 outlaws which helped to tame the lawless territory. Killing some 14 men during his service, Reeves always said that he "never shot a man when it was not necessary for him to do so in the discharge of his duty to save his own life.

Many argue(including Bill O'Reilly's Legends & Lies 2015 television series) that there is evidence that Bass Reeves was the basis of the now classic radio and television series "The Lone Ranger", with several key similarities between the character and the real legend.

More Info: www.legendsofamerica.com

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57 Comments

Clayton Mobley

They should do a movie on Bass Reeves starring Denzel Washington. Reeves is basically what the "Lone Ranger" series was based on.

wordster

It is not that "many argue" he was the basis for the Lone Ranger. Igrew up in Detroit and listened to that program faithfully. Its creator George W. Trendle stated that he did indeed base the Ranger character on Reeves, but made him white due to the times. (late 30s-early 40s). The producers felt the country was not ready for a black hero. The real Bass Reeves' own story would make a great movie today, though. I would love to write that script.

nmcgirt

Another forgotten person of color and painted white.

c brinkley

Got the right answer merely from deduction. He has the look of a sheriff. Would love to see a story on his life.

Carl Belken

He was surrounded by outlaws who were going to kill him. He asked them what time it was. They laughed and said; "What for?" Bass says: " I'll need it to fill out your death certificates." He lived through that encounter. Later he was to arrest his own son who'd committed a crime.