His life and amazing story helped create The Lone Ranger. His name is Bass Reeves and he was one of the most feared and respected lawmen in the Indian Territory. His incredible story makes him a true legend.

SCROLL DOWN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OKLAHOMA'S MOST FAMOUS LAWMAN

He was born a slave in 1838 and later became the very first black deputy U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi. He's credited with over 3,000 arrests and 14 deaths while serving as a deputy Marshal.

Bass Reeves worked with the infamous Judge Issac C. Parker, AKA the "Hanging Judge" to clean up the territory and bring outlaws to justice. His abilities and record are beyond impressive, they're legendary!

Watch the video below to learn more about this legendary lawman of the wild west

While fighting in the Civil War Reeves managed to escape his captors and fled to the Indian Territory. He lived among the SeminoleCherokee, and Creek Indians learning their language, customs, and tracking skills.

KEEP SCROLL TO LEARN HOW BASS REEVES INSPIRED THE LONE RANGER

During this time he also became very proficient with firearms, mainly the pistol but he was a marksman with any gun he decided to carry and use. All of which would serve him in the future as a deputy U.S. Marshal.

Eventually, Bass Reeves was freed by the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. No longer a slave or fugitive he returned to Arkansas where he bought land and became a successful farmer and rancher.

Bass Reeves was one of the most feared & respected Deputy U.S. Marshals

The Western History Collections at the University of Oklahoma Library (Public Domain)
The Western History Collections at the University of Oklahoma Library (Public Domain)
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It was around this time Bass Reeves was hired on occasion to help track down outlaws and his reputation as a tracker and crack shot became known. His skill and knowledge of the Indian Territory were unmatched.

AS A DEPUTY U.S. MARSHALL REEVES IS CREDITED WITH OVER 3,000 ARRESTS

When the Federal Western District Court moved to Fort Smith, AR. in 1875 Judge Parker appointed U.S. Marshal James F. Fagan and 200 deputies to clean up the territory. The new Marshal sought out Reeves.

Already well-known and respected he became a deputy U.S. Marshal and one of Judge Parker's most trusted and effective lawmen. Reeves tracked down and brought back to justice countless outlaws and fugitives.

Hit play on the video below to learn how Bass Reeves is considered the real Lone Ranger

He's the real deal and the real Lone Ranger. You may be wondering how and why he's credited with inspiring the iconic character. Reeves was a gentleman, who believed in justice and that all life was precious.

THE LIFE & TIMES OF BASS REEVES CERTAINLY INSPIRED THE LONE RANGER

He rode a white horse and was known to ride with an Indian companion and tracker. He also used clever disguises and tactics to apprehend bad guys. Reeves was more than a crack shot with a pistol or rifle.

He carried silver dollars and used them for not only purchases but to assist others and as a sort of calling card. He lived by a strict code of honor and respect, just like the Lone Ranger, years before he was created.

Top 10 most popular carry guns in Oklahoma

Check out the top 10 most popular carry guns in the Sooner State. While there are a wide variety of firearms and calibers to choose from for everyday carry (EDC) the handguns listed below are among the most purchased and widely used personal and home defense weapons in Oklahoma. These models and brands account for the majority of gun sales in the state and are among the most popular choices for EDC or home defense weapons (HDW). If you're looking for a quality reliable EDC/HDW these are all solid picks. Which by default makes them the most popular. WARNING: Seek proper training and instruction on firearm safety rules and the practice of safe gun handling skills prior to the loading and carrying and/or shortage of a firearm. The time to learn what to do and how to do it isn't when your safety and life depend on it. BE SAFE!

Gallery Credit: Don "Critter" Brown

The Real Wild West Outlaws of Oklahoma

In the years before Oklahoma gained statehood, there was a major shift happening trying to convert the wilds of Indian Territory into a mild-mannered turn-of-the-century metropolitan place. It's amazing how many of America's famed outlaws made headlines in our state.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

John Wayne: An American Experience museum Ft. Worth, TX.

If you're a fan of the Duke you have to make the trip to Ft. Worth and visit the John Wayne: An American Experience museum. It's located in the Ft. Worth Stockyards at 2501 Rodeo Plaza. The gallery below isn't even close to half of what you'll see there. With 10,000 square feet and several rooms, the exhibit has everything from John Wayne's early childhood to his final days. You can get up close and personal with all the costumes, wardrobe, and props that John Wayne used in his films and throughout his career. Along with all the great displays throughout the exhibit, there are quotes from the Duke, interactive video and audio sections, and most, if not all of the walls are covered in photo murals and picture collages of the Duke.

Gallery Credit: Don "Critter" Brown

The "Clint Eastwood: A Cinematic Legacy" exhibit Dallas, TX.

If you're a fan of Clint Eastwood you have to make the trip to Dallas, TX to the AT&T Global Headquarters at 208 S. Akard Street in Dallas, TX. For a limited time, they have the "Clint Eastwood: A Cinematic Legacy" exhibit set up in the AT&T Discovery District. It will only be open until Sunday, November 28th (11-28-21) so time's running out. It's an amazing collection of props, wardrobe, and other Eastwood artifacts on display celebrating Clint's 50 plus years of cinematic experience. Here's the best part it's TOTALLY FREE and OPEN to the public! If you're wanting details, click here for days and times that the exhibit is open, In the meantime scroll through the photo gallery and check out some of the amazing items you'll see on display.

Gallery Credit: Don "Critter" Brown