Bass Reeves - Real Lone Ranger - Gildan Ultra Cotton Youth T-Shirt

Did you know that the Lone Ranger was based off of the real life of man named Bass Reeves. Legend has it that when a producer went to pitch the show he was asked to describe the main character again.

The producer said..."It's about a U.S. Marshal named Bass Reeves and he's black." 

The broadcaster said... "Oh we can't do a show if the main character is black." 

To which the producer said..."No I said he wears a mask!'

He really wanted the show to be made and that is how we ended up with a masked ranger. Here's to paying homage to the real Lone Ranger!

THE REAL LONE RANGER - BASS REEVES

BASS REEVES

Bass Reeves, born in July 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. He is an iconic figure in American history as one of the first African-American U.S. marshals west of the Mississippi River. His remarkable life story is a testament to courage, integrity, and the triumph of justice over adversity.

Bass Reeves escaped during the Civil War and fled to what is now Oklahoma. At that time it was still a dangerous and lawless frontier. He learned the ways of the land, became fluent in several Native American languages, and honed his skills as a marksman and horseman.

Reeves' was appointed as a deputy U.S. marshal by Judge Isaac C. Parker in 1875. This appointment was historic as it made Reeves one of the first black lawmen in the Wild West, a region notorious for lawlessness and violence.

Reeves was an exceptional lawman, known for his unwavering commitment to justice. He was a master of disguise, often adopting clever disguises to infiltrate criminal organizations and capture outlaws. His imposing stature, at 6 feet 2 inches tall, and his skill with firearms earned him respect and fear among both outlaws and law-abiding citizens.

One of Reeves' most notable achievements was the capture of the notorious outlaw Belle Starr, known as the "Bandit Queen." Reeves tracked her down and brought her to justice, highlighting his fearless pursuit of criminals regardless of their reputation or gender.

Reeves' career was marked by over 3,000 arrests and countless successful missions. He became a symbol of justice and integrity in the Wild West, admired for his unflinching dedication to upholding the law.

Reeves served for 32 years as a deputy U.S. marshal and continued his law enforcement career until 1907 when Oklahoma achieved statehood, and he was no longer able to serve in that capacity due to segregation policies.

After retiring from law enforcement, Reeves settled in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and worked as a city police officer. He lived a quiet life until his passing in 1910, leaving behind a legacy of courage, honor, and dedication to justice. He remains a symbol of the indomitable spirit of those who pursued justice in the face of adversity, breaking barriers and making a lasting impact on the nation's law enforcement legacy.

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