Bass Reeves, the first African American deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River, was a legendary lawman who served for 32 years, arresting over 4,000 people and earning a reputation as the greatest frontier hero in U.S. history. Born into slavery, Reeves escaped and joined the Union forces during the Civil War, later becoming a scout and guide for the federal court in Arkansas. He was known for his exceptional tracking skills, bravery, and ability to work in disguise, earning the respect of both white and Native American communities.
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