The Legacy of Bass Reeves, the Legendary Black Lawman Revealed

Described in the papers of his day as a holy terror and one of the greatest manhunters to ever grace Indian Territory, Bass Reeves served as a deputy U.S. Marshal for over three decades; routinely traveling into no man’s land and returning with wagonloads of prisoners. With over 3,000 arrests and over a dozen kills to his name, Reeves was not only one of the most effective lawmen of the Old West but also one of the most deadly. But who was Bass Reeves really? What kind of man was he? Where’d he come from? How does a mere mortal grow such an amazing mustache? And did he really inspire the Lone Ranger? This is part 2 and the final installment of the Bass Reeves series. Link below for episode 1. Today we cover Reeves’ hunt for Ned Christie, his transition from frontier marshal to town police, and whether Bass truly inspired the Lone Ranger. #history #wildwest #lawman
Bass Reeves | Lawman (Part 1) - • Bass Reeves: Runaway S...
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[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Part 2! Link for part 1 in video description.

[@patriciadolford5986]

3:57

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

​@@patriciadolford5986???

[@abrahammorrison6374]

@@WildWestExtravaganza I have four Morgan silver dollars in my coin collection. All graded.

[@bobbrown9158]

The more I learn about Ole Bass Reeves the more I am in awe of his life. Life was seriously hard back then, add that your also black and a lawman, makes it even more fascinating. Add to that he had ten children, that in itself to me is mind boggling.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Hard times for sure

[@bobbrown9158]

@@edreynolds8721 You bring up a lot of good points, personally I would have been fascinated with Bass Reeves history. Yes, he was a badass with his background and his 3000 arrests. Going back to shows like Gunsmoke, Rawhide, Wanted Dead or Alive, etc. Reeves would have been an icon in the western films a long time ago. On top of that a real-life character. The good news is that he is deservedly being acknowledged and heralded. Thanks for the reply.

[@bobbrown9158]

@@edreynolds8721 Agree completely, up until the movie Glory, I didn't even know there were Black Union soldiers. However, history over time exposes the truth.

[@joshportie]

Life was easier back then outside of a few issues. You live in a time shifting back to the dark ages.

[@anangryranger]

As a long retired peace officer, and a third generation one, I regarded Bass Reeves as a genuine asset to us all in the profession. His steadfast determination to enforce the law, was something that I aspired to follow. Thank you for your dedication and intuitive thoughts about this admirable lawman. Your storytelling style is both unique and refreshing.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Many thanks, sir

[@craigolmsted964]

I first learned about Reeves when I was in college the more I read and hear the more respect I have for him. He has been a hero of mine since those days

[@SmithFriscoFamily]

Bass Reeves is a genuine American legendary lawman. Better than Wyatt Earp.

[@richardjack4827]

Growing up in Oklahoma I listened to many Bass Reeves stories. ❤ Balls of steel.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Right on

[@alefunzouzzle4049]

This show was so epic! I hope Bass Reeves series continues.

[@alanleemaxwell831]

This man was an ICON. Pure and simply put, put his life on the line to uphold the law in a place that viewed him as a second class citizen in the land of his birth? Fucking iconic ..

[@arklife99]

Everyone living in america is an imigrant somewhere so yeah kind of crazy to be fair

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

Reeves was undeniably a Badass.

[@johndilday1846]

Thanks very much. This gentleman was a heroic and effective early lawman. I greatly respect the man for his legacy and his career of enforcing the law. He was the real deal during a wild and lawless time, and enjoy hearing of his accomplishments during his long career. I for one, would love to see a movie that accurately depicted his life and career.

[@twoshadows2665]

Josh you crack me up. Ya bring fun to learning history.

[@tomthumb6101]

they did a low low budget movie on bass reeves called "hell on the border" but there was one outstanding scene where the badman n his gang bass reeves was after crossed paths with frank n jesse james n also a lady.. they were digging a grave.. don't know who the lady's character was portraying but she was scary bad! her interaction was brief but an edge of your seat highlight.. they need to do a very expansive quality story for bass reeves.. no soap box series.. a deserving tribute for the best lawman ever!

[@alanquintus2069]

Bass Reeves was a real badass. Good job like usual Josh!

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thank you

[@MichaelDavidLee]

Excellent commentary. An "ignorant podcaster" you are not, of course. Man, your riff on Bass' possible motivations regarding fetching his son make total sense. I never considered that perspective before. Love it. Well done, sir.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

I appreciate that!

[@ryanh9183]

I don't know how you do it but you have a knack for making your material so consistently compelling. I was looking forward to this one and in no way was disappointed. You tell it so well. Sorry about your ailment but I'm glad to hear you are back in the saddle.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@WEHenry]

Just love your delivery on the wild west history, thanks mr. Josh👍✌

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@ljsgaming5943]

These episodes always give me something to look forwards to!

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

That's what I like to hear

[@richardlincoln8438]

Damn fine episode Josh. Thank You ! Best Wishes.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thank you sir

[@ninohiggs6339]

Josh, my family is from those parts of Oklahoma, and have heard stories from Jessie James, Belle Star, Bass Reeves, all the way to Pretty Boy Floyd and Bonnie and Clyde. All had some communucation or involvment with on or the others in the past. Great episode by the way.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Right on

[@podunkmissouri4999]

My coffee came out my nose when you went into the Merle haggard lyrics 😆 🤣

[@TomBTerrific]

It’s amazing that Bass Reeves stories and explodes have been with us for centuries but suddenly many are jumping on his wagon.

[@Mr05Chuck]

He definitely is a more important figure of the West than many that are much better known.

[@Mma-basement-215]

But the internet hasn't been around for centuries and when you got a great storyteller like we do right here a lot of people are going to find out

[@cosmicvinyl2937]

This is by far the best Wild West podcast/YT Channel bar none! Man since discovering your channel about a month or 2 ago I’ve been binging the hell out of your vids! Your story telling is mind blowing! I laugh my ass off at least 2-3 times an episode! Haha! Man keep on rocking this highly fascinating era of American history! As long as you do, you got a fan in me! Peace ✨✌️👽✨

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

I'm trying

[@fryertuck6496]

Nah HOKC is the best Western channel. This guy has to jump on the race card and we are all beyond bored with this nonsense. So now the Lone Ranger was black? 🤡🌍

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

@@fryertuck6496 HOKC is awesome! But the rest of your comment tells me that you didn't listen to what I said. At what point did I ever state that the Lone Ranger was black?

[@paulcarey191]

thats what i'm trying to say, josh is not just a smart exciting story teller of facts by the way, he does his research, but he cracks me up and stops me in my tracks, its like getting hit with a stun gun, you have to laugh - no choice he's funnier than a mu..... fu..er.

[@randy129]

Dude you cracked me up with the Merle haggard reference. You got about 2 lines in and I caught the joke.

[@Bobby-di1ve]

He was the original lone ranger

[@johnbyrd7400]

How dare you mention fried green tomatoes. Lol. Once again, well done. Looks like more people are getting to hear the greatness that is The Wild West Extravaganza. Keep up the good work sir and well played for not lettin out about whether or not Brushy really was Billy the Kid. "You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to scold 'em...." or whatever Kenny Rogers said.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

They were tasty

[@johnbyrd7400]

@@WildWestExtravaganza I bet. You can't find green tomatoes here in Nebraska. I actually had some fool try telling me that's not a thing. I said it was as well as tomato gravy and tomato sandwiches. Personally I always love it when you get one with just a little bit of red so it's sweet and soft. May all your videos be just as tasty as those fried green tomatoes.

[@dal8963]

The sweet women that work at the museum are just the nicest people they are super welcoming and kind it would be pretty hard to engage them into a heated debate but had they I doubt they could have won it but their intentions I think are pure and rooted in a love of the little town they call home. It's worth stopping in just to met the sweet little women

[@RonaldFeiguson-ck5bv]

Bruh we need more video on our black rich history,to teach us that we have greatness in our blood put part one for me please

[@jerrysmith5061]

I don't know if you read my comment but I asked for you to do a pod cast of him but I want to thank you for doing this one. I really really enjoy listening to you.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@swhip897]

Another great story about a legend. Alot of stories that you weaved thru. Thanks Josh, you de man❤

[@swhip897]

Time traveller or just a vampire? Brushy Bill is still a liar liar.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

You da man

[@mtasubwaymartasubway]

@@swhip897 Say it in his face

[@jkeithmacnicol80]

I dig this. Reeves is one of my favorite historical figures and you have done due diligence to understand/uncover context and remain subjective. Not to mention, I think your narration is quite entertaining. And dude… dig the wit and not all references are lost. Thank you.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thank YOU

[@annb1227]

I ❤ to hear stories about Bass Reeves...

[@robertalpy]

It seems the marshals didnt try all that hard to bring christie in. Maybe they knew about his not being the likely murderer. It seems they went after him for making them look foolish more than anything else.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

They did kill him

[@Sh_tstain]

I might have watched/listened to a dozen of your podcasts so far. As a history buff of all Eras' I would just like to say; I really appreciate your impartial rhetoric.. You're an interesting fellow Josh.. I'm lookin forward to listening to everything you put out.... Oh, Ya.. Thank You Kindly for all the hard work..

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Hey thanks! I really appreciate that

[@polarfamily6222]

Thank you for making this video as I am a huge fan of Reeves!

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

My pleasure!

[@kurtwhiddon6751]

Man I enjoyed this , thanks for your work on the content.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@oregonoutback7779]

After tonight's listen, Dick Lucky has elevated itself into first place of possible alias', if I ever need one. Former first place holder was Dick Little, that rode with Frank & Jessy James. That one took way too much explaining, but this new one is pretty much self explanatory. Thanks for the new alias and another excellent episode.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Little Dick Lucky

[@oregonoutback7779]

@@WildWestExtravaganza Hahahaha, perfect !!

[@allanwayne7909]

Dude I have watched so many of your episodes and they are excellent thank you so much! Also you’re funny as hell!

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Wow, thanks Allan!

[@Michigan_npc]

Got the popcorn lets go

[@ispartacus1337]

Hell yea never been this early! Lets go!

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Let's go

[@johnpogz9523]

Love the content Josh. Glad you and your daughter are feeling better bo

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thanks man

[@rogerleelewis3621]

I’m a Potawatomi tribal member and aficionado of western history. Really enjoyed hearing about Bass Reeves’ gun fight in Potawatomi County but for the record the Potawatomi pronounce it “Pot a WAT omee” not Potawa TOE me. Even that is a matter of speculation though because time alters vowel sounds and syllabic emphasis. What I do know is that Bass Reeves was a bad ass dude who was respected as a Black man when that wasn’t the norm. Thanks for an entertaining and interesting video.

[@paulcarey191]

good morning josh, - when you spoke of the old guy cracking his knuckles and to calm down!!! once again pure comedy... tku so much for making me laugh my damn butt off, which not many can do. great work here i knew of bass for years and it is an amazing dynamic how he got along with his business almost as if working today...crazy. Same level as jack johnson, just a wonder how they did it, both men had alligator blood and had to be just about out of their minds - fearless and i love it. p.s. i joined the channel but didn't see it off bank card. i just made another deposit recently, so try again if insufficient funds was the problem. As long as you have a podcast count me in.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

I gotta get me some of that alligator blood

[@paulcarey191]

i was thinking something similar about myself just now, a couple min be4 i seen your response. Iv'e been having good productive days but on the weekend i spend waaaay to much time beating myself up about the past, or regretting - no good cause that creates depression, trying to look too far ahead and in preparation for the future creates anxiety. Live in the NOW and y'all soon find peace! so thats why i'm grabbing my dog and heading out to get some shit done! period.@@WildWestExtravaganza

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

I hear ya. What's in the past is done. I beat myself up a lot too but we're all our own worst critics. You're making it happen!

[@nathanielnatonabah4843]

Bravo my boy another f****** banger please keep them coming

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thanks Nathaniel

[@aaronwilliams7505]

Sorry you were under the weather and thank you for giving history lessons

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

My pleasure

[@denisekozak2030]

Thank you so much for your video of Bass Reeves I really enjoyed it❤😊

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thanks!!!

[@danielsturgeski4013]

How about the new Bass Reeves series on Paramount? So far the first 2 episodes don’t know how historically true is pretty good

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Haven't seen it yet

[@swhip897]

It's good. My subscription is running out 😢😅

[@swhip897]

@@WildWestExtravaganza it's worth a watch

[@wendysuemesny3757]

This was great! Thank you!❤

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Mocha69A]

Always new of this amazing black American lawman

[@sharrielee911]

I have been on your channel for awhile now and truly enjoyed it...a true storyteller you are😊 really enjoyed all of your videos and once again thx for sharing... smiles

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thanks Sharrie!!!

[@sharrielee911]

@@WildWestExtravaganza you're so very welcome Josh☺️

[@bluebmw909]

Excellent Commentary will be spending the rest of the day checking out the rest of your videos

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Hope it's not a disappointment!

[@rialobran]

Great job as always.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thank you!

[@hippiesnorthwoods]

Josh I just want to thank you for telling it & keeping it all straight & I love your channel please keep up the great work and good luck on your gamble

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thanks

[@hippiesnorthwoods]

Thank you for your reply your one of the who has oh ya please keep keeping it real all love

[@joebills2237]

Thanks for all your good work 👏.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

My pleasure

[@Lunni-toonies]

Really enjoyed this. Just found your channel. Keep up the good work man. Would love to see a deep dive like this on Bob Fudge

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thanks! Will do!

[@Lunni-toonies]

Looking forward to it!

[@anthonyfeliccia1366]

I live in Oxford Michigan. Same place the original lone ranger is from. His name is brace beamer. There is a parade for him every year. Nothing is ever brought up about bass Reeves. But it would be cool if the lone ranger was inspired by Bass Reeves. Good job Josh. Keep it up

[@stevewoo8099]

You made listening to history super fun for me…. That’s pretty amazing if you know me in real life… I appreciate this ..

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Glad you enjoyed it, Steve

[@Playa001]

I envy men of the past. Men like Bass Reeves lived in a time where the average man could become legend with just his resolve.

[@Ridendrty]

That outlaw Indian Green Leaf broke jail and later opened a bunch of dispensaries out west… thats what i heard anyway 😉

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Lucky him!

[@markpaul-ym5wg]

You have a head cold josh,but you still do a great job as always brother.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

I appreciate that!

[@CarolinaThreeper3534]

Love this stuff

[@bugvswindshield]

Hot Damn! Thank you good sir. I'm still runnen' with the lone ranger story though. I just don't care. Subbed of course and best of luck to you and yours.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Same to you!

[@gregory8414]

Thanks Good job We need this info on good men

[@robertshade8631]

Good to see a feature on Cattle Kate,Stagecoach Mary ,Nat Love and Bill picketts here.

[@Dive-Deeper]

If there's one person that I could go back in time to meet, it would be Bass Reeves. More than Wild Bill, Jessie James, Billy the Kid, Geronimo, etc., etc. Who but Bass Reeves was so badass that bad criminals actually turned themselves in rather than having him on their ass? No one. Just Bass.

[@StonrMoose69]

Cept Ned Christie

[@cjempire1188]

I learned about him very early Cuz I Love reading and somebody put me up on him.. once I read all the books I could find on him I put two and two together and figured out that's who the lone ranger is based on..

[@gailshepard-cook6350]

@The Wild West Extravaganza , I Love Your Sarcasm Wit With A Spin On Things, ha ha ha ha ha. That Tells Ya I'm Listening & Enjoying.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thanks!

[@robertalpy]

It seems bass reeves kept to the doc holiday methodnof gun fighting. Supposedly holiday was slow and deliberate and usually got the better of fater shots. At the ok corral, a shkrstorm he kicked up...he was the only man without a wound think.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Interesting theory

[@bucolicbuffalo1027]

I had a grandfather I never met killed in the line of duty was an elected lawman and coal miner couldn't read or write is in the fallen lawmen memorial in DC and the stories heard from different sources about what he did when confronted with life death situations sounds like a movie character but I believe when faced with that confidence and adrenaline goes a long way on taking a chance to stay alive I can believe what Marshall reeves and my grandfather is storied to have done was mostly true those were hard men

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Hard men for sure

[@nativetexan8386]

Yes was some of the stories embellished of course they are. With that said I agree with you his record was incredible

[@ronaldduchac7396]

Ben Reeves would have been killed had Bass not brought him in. Bass knew it.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

It's possible

[@brandenbrooks5525]

Why all the apologies for speaking about the issue of race. It's completely relevant and historically true. One of the consequences of the reluctance to speak on the real history of race in our country hurts us as a whole and protects fragile minded people who need to be informed. To speak on the relevant issue is not the same as inappropriately shoving the issue on people. Thanks for the podcast very interesting.

[@abrahammorrison6374]

The silver dollars mentioned were Morgan or Peace Dollar coins. Both are highly collectible and worth collecting. The Morgan Silver Dollars are more in Wild West era. I recommend buying a graded Morgan Silver Dollar

[@Wilson-fm4lg]

Damn glad your feeling better we missed ya bro. Great one ol big bad base Reaves is one tough ol boy.

[@daleslover2771]

Like to see a movie made of this legendary law man, if they (Hollywood) could just stay to his achievements and leave the polish off, This man is incredible, After reading my Great Great grandfather diary of how it was, Reconstruction after the Civil War soldiers or law man it had additional risk, Not uncommon to find a Sherrif and deputy ambush by who knows by whom, or swinging from a tree limb. after the Civil War men made the way back up north to the Union States, some accounts have stated 4000 men were Bush wack, like Johnny Cash sings the ( 🎶 Gun fighters' last ballet🎵 ), it's was a very hard time.

[@timlenard1646]

not to mention the new U.S Marshall's museum here in Fort Smith...

[@stephenhill3286]

It feels like a real missed opportunity that Bass didn't name his daughter "minnow"

[@dal8963]

My dad has lived right outside of hico and it's a really neat town, Josh is right about the food at that restaurant it's pretty good. I personally think some locals are invested in the bushy bill tale as they love the town and it adds to its uniquness to bad you missed the chocolate house by ranglers and the koffee kup kafe now just the koffee kup as the whole kkk thing inspired a name change however they are famous for their pies I recently took a look at the city's web site and it is impressive for such a small town it goes to show how invested the people are who live there in their little town. It is truly worth the stop if your passing Tru

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Coffee Cup was closed when I drove thru unfortunately

[@robertkelton5831]

You got to respect any man that went healed with a 32-20 as his main weapon

[@cliffclark8682]

good work

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thank you!

[@johnzeszut3170]

Heard about this guy - seems to me he does not need the posthumous build up.

[@bubbajones6486]

Halfway in, and haven’t listened to part 1 yet…but I have to admit, I’m a bit disappointed…..No Blazing Saddles references!?! Not. A. Single. One…..dammit Josh, I expect more from you sir…😂😂😂

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

You right

[@vancejohnson2578]

But...zombie? Or not? Love your podcast, sir!!!!

[@slagwill5599]

To do what he did back then… BALLS.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Agreed

[@billmunch9623]

His great-great-grandson is former National Football League and Canadian Football League player Willard Reaves. His great-great-great-grandsons are National Hockey League player Ryan Reaves and CFL player Jordan Reaves

[@JovanLopez-dj3si]

Binge watching Love this S H O W!!! YEEH 🤠 haw!!!

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thanks man

[@MicahBell_1860]

You do that Josh, & you'll be on the fightin' side of me

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

What can I say, mama tried

[@MrJaxon620]

Yaaaww!

[@johnbyrd7400]

Ikr! It's great.

[@ncnovembergrl2009]

Bass Reeves was awesome

[@leveraction3]

you did mention it but I was going to say he had a marker in fort Worth on the walk

[@stonewulf2755]

"Nice" aka the friendliest number 😁

[@dennistate5953]

8 miles the other way Indian Territory started at north side of TN river.

[@csears0824]

Comic artist David Williams is doing a comic based on Bass Reeves on Indiegogo

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Very cool

[@csears0824]

I don't know about the art or story but David seems like a good guy and an independent creator not unlike yourself . Timely coincidence

[@lash3630]

hope the series is good.

[@user-xd3ms8iv3h]

Great Story About Bass Reeves Bass Reeves Got That Man For Stilling Chicken's 😆🤣😂 I Wish I could Go Back In Time To See All Of This But Would have Been Behind A Tree Or Under A Rock 😊

[@whoopwhoop1584]

Daggum proud of you Josh happy as a pig in slop to see you doing what you love for the bacon

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thanks man

[@nativetexan8386]

If anybody thinks Bass wasn’t a legend needs their head examined

[@SG-MT]

💯

[@abrahammorrison6374]

Chester A Arthur was junior partner in a New York law firm who won a discrimination lawsuit for Elizabeth Jennings Graham vs New York street car company. Failed to mention this one when mentioned race laws.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

What???

[@abrahammorrison6374]

@@WildWestExtravaganza Major civil rights victory for a black woman in the 19th Century.

[@TheOnlyRagsMorales]

I dunno. Tonto’s horse was named Scout. Lone Ranger’s horse was named Silver.

[@danielbradmacboleniii5601]

Hokahey from Apacheria in the Arizona Territories ahe'hye'e

[@robertbergren8680]

Don't ever be ashamed of eating a 🍔 if you're ever in Pueblo CO try a green chili slopper.

[@tomthumb6101]

they say lone ranger may have been created from him because of his Indian connection n he paid bills with silver dollars also suppose to have rode a pale horse ok i give you that but to me clint eastwood in "hang 'em high" is the rawer more closer model.. he was bringing them in n hangin' judge parker was stringing them up!

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

On part 2 I go over the whole lone ranger thing. Turns out it's not true.

[@tomthumb6101]

@WildWestExtravaganza i never thought so the lone ranger is such a sanitized fancy version.. i'm a wild west super fan! there must be authenticity! it's a shame my passion can't be filled because great story telling is miscast by ego driven opportunistic actors