Celebrating Black History Month: Bass Reeves
In February, we recognize Black History Month as we look for ways to learn and grow through spreading knowledge.
Santee Cooper’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Awareness (IDEA) Council member and Senior Engineer in Water and CCR Environmental Services, Cynthia Walters, tells the unique and powerful story of Bass Reeves in the feature below.
Bass Reeves was born into slavery in July 1838, belonging to Arkansas state legislator William Steele Reeves. He grew up in Texas following the relocation of his owner. During the American Civil War, his owners fought for the Confederate Army. At some point, Reeves escaped after allegedly attacking his owner following an argument during a card game and fled to Native American country where he learned American Indian languages, customs and tracking skills. This became integral to his legendary career as a lawman.
In 1875, Reeves was a farmer before he was commissioned as a Deputy U.S. Marshal by Federal Judge Issac Parker (known as the “hanging judge” for the high number of convictions of crimes punishable by death in his court) of the Western District of Arkansas. Reeves was one of the first African American Deputy U.S. Marshals in the American West. Reeves was responsible for a 75,000 square mile area of what is now mostly Oklahoma and Arkansas. Well known for his sense of justice and valor, over his 32 years of service it is reported that he arrested more than 3,000 people and was responsible for the deaths of 14 outlaws while never being wounded.
Reeves was himself once charged with murdering a posse cook.
At his trial before Judge Parker, Reeves claimed to have shot the man by mistake while cleaning his gun and was eventually acquitted.
Post-retirement, Reeves served with the Muskogee Police Department before his death in 1910. While there is no definitive proof of the connection, Reeves is sometimes speculated to have been the inspiration for the fictional character, The Lone Ranger.
The narrative of Bass Reeves, a name synonymous with courage and justice, has been brought to life through the TV mini-series “Lawmen: Bass Reeves.” Reeves is portrayed by David Oyelowo with co-stars Dennis Quaid and Donald Sutherland. The show delves into the life of the first African American Deputy U.S. Marshal to serve west of the Mississippi River.
Learn more about the incredible life of Reeves by watching the series, now available for streaming on Paramount+.
