Black Gun, Silver Star: The Life and Legend of Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves

Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves, an African American who had spent his early life enslaved, is portrayed as the "most feared U.S. marshal in the Indian country" in The Story of Oklahoma. Black Gun, Silver Star explores the truth about Reeves, from his days of slavery to his Civil War soldiering to his career as a deputy U.S. marshal, highlighting his fluency in Creek and other regional Native languages, physical power, firearms skills, and disguise.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

In the captivating tale of Oklahoma, Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves emerges as the epitome of fear among the Native American communities. What makes his achievements even more remarkable is the fact that Reeves, an African American, had endured a harrowing experience of enslavement in Arkansas and Texas during his early years.

Black Gun, Silver Star delves into the realm of fact and legend to unravel the true story of one of the most exceptional peace officers in the late 19th century, and arguably the greatest lawman of the Wild West era. Despite the odds stacked against him, Art T. Burton embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about Bass Reeves.

Burton traces Reeves's journey from his days of slavery to his service in the Civil War, and then to his remarkable career as a deputy U.S. marshal in Fort Smith, Arkansas. During this time, Reeves worked under the renowned "Hanging Judge" Isaac C. Parker, a man known for his strict enforcement of the law. Reeves's exceptional skills were evident in his fluency in Creek and other regional Native languages, his physical prowess, his mastery of firearms, and his unparalleled ability to disguise himself.

Reeves's prowess as a lawman was legendary in Oklahoma and Arkansas, and his exploits were often recounted in the national media of his day. However, this story extends beyond the pages of history books. In this new edition, Burton explores Reeves's growing presence in modern media, including television, movies, comics, and video games. Reeves's legacy continues to captivate audiences, reminding us of his remarkable achievements and the enduring impact he had on the Wild West.

In conclusion, Black Gun, Silver Star offers a captivating exploration of the life and legacy of Bass Reeves, a man who defied the odds and emerged as one of the most remarkable lawmen in American history. Through meticulous research and a deep understanding of the subject matter, Burton provides a comprehensive account of Reeves's life and career, shedding light on his extraordinary skills and the enduring impact he had on the Wild West.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 154 x 230 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496233424