The Lone Ranger, for example, is believed to have been inspired by Bass Reeves Bass Reeves was the first black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. He worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory. During his long career, he was credited with arresting more than 3,000 felons. He shot and killed 14 people in self-defense.Bass Reeves
Django
A coffin-dragging gunslinger and a half-breed prostitute become embroiled in a bitter feud between a Klan of Southern racists and a band of Mexican Revolutionaries.
Was the Lone Ranger a real person?
The Lone Ranger was fictional. Reeves and Hughes were real men whose countless long rides brought thousands to justice and to those who chose to fight, a hard reckoning. In the 19 th century Colt called its pistol the “Peacemaker.” That is a misnomer, because both bad and good men carried it.
Is the Lone Ranger based on a true story?
Though the quick-draw tale may sound like an adventure of the Lone Ranger, this was no fictional event. In fact, it was one of many feats of Bass Reeves, a legendary lawman of the Wild West—a man whose true adventures rivaled those of the outlaw-wrangling masked character.
What was the Lone Rangers real name?
What is the Lone Ranger's real name? This is another question that can be answered in two ways. We know that the Ranger's last name is "Reid," because his brother who was killed in the ambush by the Cavendish Gang was named Dan Reid. (This is also the name of the Lone Ranger's nephew, although we do not know what his true first name was.
Who was the real Lone Ranger?
His name was Bass Reeves. He was an African-American who did, in fact, live among Native Americans. He became a deputy U.S. Marshal, a lawman who hunted bad men. He was accompanied by a Native American, riding on a white horse, and he had a “silver” trademark. And he was the inspiration for the legendary Lone Ranger.
What lawman was the Lone Ranger based on?
Bass ReevesIn fact, one of the most revered lawmen in U.S. history, was a Black man named Bass Reeves, who the legend of “The Lone Ranger” was based upon.
Who was Bass Reeves the Lone Ranger?
Bass Reeves, a former slave, fiercely defended the Old West during his 32-year tenure as deputy U.S. marshal. As the first Black deputy west of the Mississippi River, Reeves arrested more than 3,000 outlaws.
What was the TV show that was inspired by Bass Reeves?
The series about Reeves was originally announced in 2021 as a separate series for Taylor Sheridan and star and producer David Oyelowo, but now it's been absorbed into the Yellowstone universe.
Are there any movies about Bass Reeves?
1. Bass Reeves (2010 Video) A drama based on the life of Bass Reeves, the first African-American United States Deputy Marshal.
Was Tonto a real Native American?
Tonto is a fictional character; he is the Native American (either Comanche or Potawatomi) companion of the Lone Ranger, a popular American Western character created by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker.
Was Bass Reeves a real person?
Bass Reeves (July 1838 – January 12, 1910) was an American law enforcement official, historically noted as the first black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. He worked mostly in Arkansas and the Oklahoma Territory.
Who was Bass Reeves and what was he known for?
Reeves was responsible for apprehending criminals in a 75,000-square-mile (194,000-square-km) region of what is now mostly Oklahoma and Arkansas. Well known for his valour, Reeves killed 14 outlaws and apprehended more than 3,000 throughout his tenure (including his own son), according to contemporary reports.
Where can I watch Bass Reeves?
Currently you are able to watch "Bass Reeves" streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Was Bob Dozier a real outlaw?
Robert “Bob” Dozier was a farmer-turned outlaw accused of multiple crimes in Indian Territory before famed U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves tracked him down. Before turning to a life of crime, Bob Dozier was a prosperous farmer.
Is Ryan Reaves related to Bass Reeves?
Reaves holds both American and Canadian citizenship. Reaves is the great-great-great-grandson of Bass Reeves, the first black lawman west of the Mississippi River.
What else has Taylor Sheridan done?
He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Hell or High Water (2016), which was nominated for three other Oscars, including Best Picture. Sheridan also wrote and directed the 2017 neo-Western crime film Wind River and wrote the 2018 sequel to Sicario.
Who was Bass Reeves and what was he known for?
Reeves was responsible for apprehending criminals in a 75,000-square-mile (194,000-square-km) region of what is now mostly Oklahoma and Arkansas. Well known for his valour, Reeves killed 14 outlaws and apprehended more than 3,000 throughout his tenure (including his own son), according to contemporary reports.
What happened to Bass Reeves son?
On one occasion, Reeves son, Bennie committed a domestic murder against his wife. Bass took the warrant and bought his son in for murder shortly thereafter his son convicted and sent to Leavenworth. At the age of 67, Bass Reeves retired from federal service at Oklahoma statehood in 1907.
Was Jay Silverheels really an Indian?
Silverheels, a full-blooded Mohawk, was born on the Six Nations Indian Reservation in Ontario, Canada, and moved to the United States with his family in the 1930s.
Was Django based on Bass Reeves?
The wildly popular Django Unchained is the most talked about film of the last month, and aside from the controversy, it's popular because of how badass Django is. However, nobody knew about the real Django–a man named Bass Reeves–whom became a Deputy U.S. Marshal in 1875 at the age of 38.
Who recruited Bass Reeves?
pinterest-pin-it. Bass Reeves. (Credit: Public Domain) After a decade of freedom, Bass returned to the Indian Territory when U.S. Marshal James Fagan recruited him to help rein in the criminals that plagued the land.
Where was Bass Reeves born?
Reeves, who relocated to Paris, Texas, in 1846. It was in Texas, during the Civil War, that William made Bass accompany his son, George Reeves, to fight for the Confederacy.
How many people did Marshal Bass kill?
As deputy marshal, Bass is said to have arrested more than 3,000 people and killed 14 outlaws, all without sustaining a single gun wound, writes biographer Art T. Burton, who first asserted the theory that Bass had inspired the Lone Ranger in his 2006 book, Black Gun, Silver Star: The Life and Legend of Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves.
Why did James Fagan bring in the 200 marshals?
Fagan, under the direction of federal judge Isaac C. Parker, brought in 200 deputy marshals to calm the growing chaos throughout the West . The deputy marshals were tasked with bringing in the countless thieves, murderers and fugitives who had overrun the expansive 75,000-square-mile territory. Able local shooters and trackers were sought out for the position, and Bass was one of the few African Americans recruited.
What did Bass do after restraining the siblings?
After restraining the siblings in their sleep, Bass walked them the entire way back to his camp. Much like his silver screen equivalent, Bass was fiercely dedicated to his position. Widely considered impossible to pay off or shake up, Bass demonstrated a moral compass that could put even Superman to shame.
Was Bass Reeves a cowboy?
In fact, it was one of many feats of Bass Reeves, a legendary lawman of the Wild West—a man whose true adventures rivaled those of the outlaw-wrangling masked character. Reeves was a real-life African-American cowboy who one historian has proposed may have inspired the Lone Ranger. In 1838—nearly a century before the Lone Ranger was introduced ...
Who is the Lone Ranger based on?
The Lone Ranger is fictitious, according to George W. Trendle (credited for the character idea). However, Bass Reeves, John R. Hughes, or other famous heroes like Zorro became the basis for the show.
What is the Lone Ranger?
The Lone Ranger depicts a masked hero that captures criminals and bandits no matter who they are. He also makes sure justice prevails and disarms these criminal elements without taking their lives.
Why is Reeves called the Indomitable Marshal?
Because Reeves remained untouched by a bullet, he was known as “The Indomitable Marshal.” He was always relentless in his pursuit when he’s after criminals.
Who is the inspiration for the Lone Ranger?
The inspiration for The Lone Ranger may have come from the life of Bass Reeves or John R. Hughes. Other masked heroes and famous figures may also be a basis for the show. However, George W. Trendle, who receives credit for the idea of the character, regards it as fictional.
When did the state rangers start?
The State Rangers started after the termination of the Frontier Battalion in 1901. Hughes was one of the four captains appointed, retiring in 1915 after 28 years of service.
Who is the closest to the Lone Ranger?
Burton’s theory of Reeves being the closest to the “Lone Ranger” stemmed from similarities between him and the masked hero.
Who went after the killers and captured or killed them in a shootout?
Like the Lone Ranger, Hughes went after the killers and captured or killed them in a shootout.
Who was the inspiration for the Lone Ranger?
This is the same city where the Lone Ranger character began in 1933. Although we cannot prove conclusively that Reeves was the inspiration for the Lone Ranger, he was the closest person in reality to imbue these characteristics.
How much is the Lone Ranger movie?
With a budget of $250 million, this summer’s Disney movie, The Lone Ranger, will be the largest of any Western ever made in cinema history. Yet just who exactly was the Lone Ranger?
What mask did Reeves wear?
In that societal sense, Reeves also wore that mask. When the Lone Ranger first started appearing in comic books and movie serials, he wore a black mask that covered his entire face.
What did the black mask cover on the Lone Ranger?
Photo Gallery. By the time Clayton Moore took on the persona of the Lone Ranger for the 1950s ABC series, the black mask covered only his eyes (next slide). In the early days of the character, the mask covered the Lone Ranger’s entire face, which may have been a homage to Bass Reeves (above), if indeed the character was based on ...
How did Reeves overcome his handicap?
Second, he overcame his handicap of being illiterate by memorizing the warrants and subpoenas he had to administer in Indian Territory (pre-state Oklahoma). Third, Reeves worked for 32 years and became a celebrity during his lifetime.
Who was the lone ranger's sidekick?
Tonto, from the Potawatomi nation, made his first appearance as the Lone Ranger’s sidekick on the twelfth episode of the radio show (Trendle grew up in Michigan, the traditional territory of the Potawatomi). In the Indian Territory, federal law mandated that deputy U.S. marshals take at least one posseman along to assist in field work. Many times, the possemen who worked with Reeves were Indians or black Indians, such as Grant Johnson. The Lone Ranger left silver bullets as his calling card. Reeves gave folks silver dollars to remember him by. The Lone Ranger worked in disguise, a technique Reeves regularly used to catch unsuspecting felons. The Lone Ranger rode a white horse named “Silver.” Research shows Reeves rode a gray that may have looked white in appearance.
Why did Reeves give silver dollars?
Reeves gave folks silver dollars to remember him by. The Lone Ranger worked in disguise, a technique Reeves regularly used to catch unsuspecting felons. The Lone Ranger rode a white horse named “Silver.”. Research shows Reeves rode a gray that may have looked white in appearance.
Introduction
Today we're going back in history to learn about one of the most famous U.S. marshals. Bass Reeves was born to slave parents and grew up to become the first black U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi River.
Background
During the Civil War, he took refuge among Indian tribes, learning the different languages, customs, and tracking skills, and honing his firearms skills. The knowledge he gained became crucial in his duty of hunting outlaws on the Oklahoma range.
Famous Exploits
The tales of his exploits in capturing the toughest criminals are filled with intrigue, imagination, and courage. Even though he hunted and brought to justice tough outlaws that other lawmen could not, the toughest warrant in his career was that of bringing his own son in.
Conclusion
Legend has it that he was the real inspiration for the Lone Ranger stories, but that is in dispute. However, for many, he was the real Lone Ranger.
What happened to the Lone Ranger?
He was fired from his position, unable to continue to be considered a deputy. The so-called “Lone Ranger” passed away in 1910 from Bright’s Disease , a revered hero and legend of the west. Vuukle Emotes.
Who is Bass Reeves?
The longtime biographer was the first to pose the theory of Bass Reeves being the inspiration behind the fictional Western hero in his 2006 book, Black Gun, Silver Star: The Life and Legend of Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves. Burton’s reasoning behind the comparison is over his 32 years of service, Reeves found himself often in countless encounters he ...
What did Burton write about Black Gun?
In Black Gun, Burton wrote how Bass was unsuccessfully tried for murdering a Black cook, a charge no white deputy would have ever faced. He worked to arrest whites who committed crimes against African-Americans even if the charges amounted to nothing.
Is Bass Reeves real?
Absolutely. “Bass Reeves is the closest real person to resemble the fictional Lone Ranger on the American western frontier of the nineteenth century,” Burton wrote. Born a slave in 1838 in Crawford County Arkansas, Reeves’s owner was William S. Reeves, a cotton farmer and prominent politician in the area. When Bass was around eight in 1846, William ...
What happened to the Lone Ranger?from blackamericaweb.com
He was fired from his position, unable to continue to be considered a deputy. The so-called “Lone Ranger” passed away in 1910 from Bright’s Disease , a revered hero and legend of the west. Vuukle Emotes.
Who is Bass Reeves?from history.com
The amazing true story of Bass Reeves, the formerly enslaved man who protected the Wild West.
How many people did Marshal Bass kill?from history.com
As deputy marshal, Bass is said to have arrested more than 3,000 people and killed 14 outlaws, all without sustaining a single gun wound, writes biographer Art T. Burton, who first asserted the theory that Bass had inspired the Lone Ranger in his 2006 book, Black Gun, Silver Star: The Life and Legend of Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves.
Why did James Fagan bring in the 200 marshals?from history.com
Fagan, under the direction of federal judge Isaac C. Parker, brought in 200 deputy marshals to calm the growing chaos throughout the West . The deputy marshals were tasked with bringing in the countless thieves, murderers and fugitives who had overrun the expansive 75,000-square-mile territory. Able local shooters and trackers were sought out for the position, and Bass was one of the few African Americans recruited.
What did Bass do after restraining the siblings?from history.com
After restraining the siblings in their sleep, Bass walked them the entire way back to his camp. Much like his silver screen equivalent, Bass was fiercely dedicated to his position. Widely considered impossible to pay off or shake up, Bass demonstrated a moral compass that could put even Superman to shame.
What did Burton write about Black Gun?from blackamericaweb.com
In Black Gun, Burton wrote how Bass was unsuccessfully tried for murdering a Black cook, a charge no white deputy would have ever faced. He worked to arrest whites who committed crimes against African-Americans even if the charges amounted to nothing.
Who recruited Bass Reeves?from history.com
pinterest-pin-it. Bass Reeves. (Credit: Public Domain) After a decade of freedom, Bass returned to the Indian Territory when U.S. Marshal James Fagan recruited him to help rein in the criminals that plagued the land.
What episode is Reeves in Gunslingers?
Reeves is the subject of the season two Episode four of Gunslingers, "The real lone ranger".
What comic book is Reeves in?
Reeves appears in Un cow-boy dans le coton, an album in the Lucky Luke Belgian comic book series by Jul and Achdé.
What episode does Reeves appear in Justified?
Reeves is mentioned in season 3 episode 2 of the television series Justified as two US Marshals are discussing their all-time favorite historical US Marshals.
How did Reeves die?
Reeves' health began to fail further after retiring. He died of Bright's disease (nephritis) on January 12, 1910.
Where is the Bass Reeves Memorial Bridge?
This theory is disputed. In 2011, the US-62 Bridge, which spans the Arkansas River between Muskogee and Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, was renamed the Bass Reeves Memorial Bridge. In May 2012, a bronze statue of Reeves by Oklahoma sculptor Harold Holden was erected in Pendergraft Park in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Where was William Reeves born?
Early life. Reeves was born into slavery in Crawford County, Arkansas, in 1838. He was named after his grandfather, Bass Washington. Reeves and his family were enslaved by Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. When Bass was eight (about 1846), William Reeves moved to Grayson County, Texas, near Sherman in the Peters Colony.
Who was the Confederate leader who took Bass with him?
When the American Civil War began, George Reeves joined the Confederate Army, taking Bass with him. It is unclear how, and exactly when, Bass Reeves escaped, but at some point during the Civil War, he gained his freedom. One account recalls how Bass Reeves and George Reeves had an altercation over a card game. Bass severely beat George, and fled to the Indian Territory where he lived among the Cherokee, Creeks and Seminoles. Bass stayed with these Native American tribes and learned their languages until he was freed by the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery, in 1865.
Story
Analysis
- Though the quick-draw tale may sound like an adventure of the Lone Ranger, this was no fictional event. In fact, it was one of many feats of Bass Reeves, a legendary lawman of the Wild Westa man whose true adventures rivaled those of the outlaw-wrangling masked character. Reeves was a real-life African-American cowboy who one historian has proposed...
Early history
- In 1838nearly a century before the Lone Ranger was introduced to the publicBass Reeves was born a slave in the Arkansas household of William S. Reeves, who relocated to Paris, Texas, in 1846. It was in Texas, during the Civil War, that William made Bass accompany his son, George Reeves, to fight for the Confederacy.
Background
- While serving George, Bass escaped to Indian Territory under the cover of the night. The Indian Territory, known today as Oklahoma, was a region ruled by five Native American tribesCherokee, Seminole, Creek, Choctaw and Chickasawwho were forced from their homelands due to the Indian Removal Act of 1830. While the community was governed through a system of tribal courts, the …
Military career
- After a decade of freedom, Bass returned to the Indian Territory when U.S. Marshal James Fagan recruited him to help rein in the criminals that plagued the land. Fagan, under the direction of federal judge Isaac C. Parker, brought in 200 deputy marshals to calm the growing chaos throughout the West. The deputy marshals were tasked with bringing in the countless thieves, m…
Impact
- As deputy marshal, Bass is said to have arrested more than 3,000 people and killed 14 outlaws, all without sustaining a single gun wound, writes biographer Art T. Burton, who first asserted the theory that Bass had inspired the Lone Ranger in his 2006 book, Black Gun, Silver Star: The Life and Legend of Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves.
Plot summary
- At the heart of Burtons argument is that fact that over 32 years as a deputy marshal, Bass found himself in numerous stranger-than-fiction encounters. Also, many of the fugitives Bass arrested were sent to the Detroit House of Corrections, in the same city where the Lone Ranger would be introduced to the world on the radio station WXYZ on January 30, 1933.
Controversy
- Much like his silver screen equivalent, Bass was fiercely dedicated to his position. Widely considered impossible to pay off or shake up, Bass demonstrated a moral compass that could put even Superman to shame. He even went so far as to arrest his own son, Bennie, for murdering his wife. In Bass obituary in the January 18, 1910, edition of The Daily Ardmoreite, it was reported th…
Aftermath
- The legendary lawman was eventually removed from his position in 1907, when Oklahoma gained statehood. As an African-American, Bass was unable to continue in his position as deputy marshal under the new state laws. He died three years later, after being diagnosed with Brights disease, but the legend of his work in the Old West would live on.
Influences
- Although there is no concrete evidence that the real legend inspired the creation of one of fictions most well-known cowboys, Bass Reeves is the closest real person to resemble the fictional Lone Ranger on the American western frontier of the nineteenth century, Burton writes in Black Gun, Silver Star.
Significance
- However, Bass accomplished things that dwarf the triumphs of his fictional counterpart, in his journey from slave to one of the staunchest defenders of the very government that had failed to protect his freedom in the first place. And while the truth about the Lone Ranger may remain a mystery, the story of Bass Reeves remains an inspiration for real-life heroes to this day.