What's New at the Oklahoma Historical Society
Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves, 100 Years Later

The program features Art Burton, author of Black Gun Silver Star; Vaunda Nelson, children’s book author of Bad News for Outlaws; and Baridi Nkokheli, Bass Reeves re-enactor. There will be a lecture from 1:30pm to 3:00pm followed by a book signing 3:00pm to 4:30pm.

Come hear the incredible story of Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves, one of the most feared and respected U.S. Marshals in Indian Territory. Bass was credited with fourteen notches on his gun and rode for Judge Isaac Parker’s U.S. Court in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Bass was a terror to outlaws and desperados. The fact that Reeves was an African American who had spent his early life as a slave in Arkansas and Texas makes his accomplishments all the more remarkable.

We are also hopeful that the sculptor of the Bass Reeves statue, that will be erected in Fort Smith, will be present for the program. January 12 is the date that Reeves expired on 0ne hundred years ago. It is sad that we haven't found his gravesite as yet. Reeves ended his law enforcement career with the Muskogee police department after spending thirty years with the U.S. Marshals Service in the Indian and Oklahoma Territories. It is interesting to note that during his lifetime the residents of the territory was singing songs about his exploits in bringing in outlaws.