From Slave to Lawman: Who Was Bass Reeves? #History #WildWest

This is the story of Bass Reeves, born into slavery in 1838, who escaped during the Civil War into Indian Territory. There, he mastered Native American languages, became a skilled tracker, and eventually caught the eye of Judge Isaac Parker—infamously known as the “Hanging Judge.”

In 1875, Reeves became the first Black Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi. His unmatched marksmanship and knowledge of the terrain led him to capture thousands of criminals in the Wild West. Among them was his own son, who stood trial for murder. Despite facing dangerous gunfights, and even being charged in the accidental death of his cook, Reeves maintained a reputation for fearless justice. He died in 1910, leaving behind a transformative legacy that still resonates today.