Bass Reeves

Biography

Bass Reeves (1838–1910) escaped enslavement and later became one of the first Black deputy U.S. marshals west of the Mississippi, bringing relentless determination to the dangerous work of enforcing the law in Indian Territory.

He captured thousands of outlaws without fanfare, honored his word to witnesses, and earned a reputation for fairness and unshakable courage that has inspired storytellers and historians alike.