Bass Reeves (1838—1910) was the first Black U.S. Marshall, west of the Mississippi River. He arrested nearly 3,000 outlaws in his career.
Before becoming a legendary lawman of the Wild West, Reeves was an enslaved man born in Arkansas. When the Civil War broke out, he was forced to fight for the Confederacy, but escaped to Indian Territory (modern day Oklahoma). Reeves quickly adapted to his new environment, learning the customs and languages of the Seminole and Creek people.
After the war, Reeves returned to Arkansas as a free man. He settled down, got married and had 11 children. However, his quiet family life came to an end when he was recruited to reign in the growing number of outlaws.










