Born into slavery in 1838, Bass Reeves emerged as one of the most legendary lawmen of the American West. After the Civil War, Reeves, who had many talents including marksmanship and tracking, became a Deputy U.S. Marshal in the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma), making him one of the first Black federal law enforcement officers west of the Mississippi River.
Reeves' career was marked by his exceptional abilities as a tracker and his fearlessness in the face of danger. He often pursued outlaws alone, traversing the rugged terrain of the frontier on horseback. His reputation for capturing fugitives and enforcing the law with integrity and fairness earned him respect throughout the region.
Despite facing racial prejudice, Reeves became a legendary figure, apprehending over 3,000 criminals during his career, including notorious outlaws such as Belle Starr. He was known for his keen intelligence, resourcefulness, and unwavering dedication to justice.
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves