Fort Smith in Sebastian County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

Bass Reeves - Lawman on the Western Frontier

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

1. Bass Reeves - Lawman on the Western Frontier Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Bass Reeves, a slave born in Arkansas and reared in Texas, rose to become one of the best known and effective deputy U.S. marshals to ride out of Fort Smith for Judge Isaac C. Parker. Recognized as one of the first African Americans commissioned as a federal lawman on the western frontier, Reeves was a master of disguise, expert with firearms, and over a thirty year career, arrested thousands of felons, including his son and minister. Newspapers reported that he killed over twenty men in the line of duty.

After leaving Fort Smith, Reeves served the federal courts of Paris, Texas and Muskogee in the Indian Territory. Following Oklahoma statehood in 1907, he worked for the Muskogee Police Department until 1909. Reeves died in 1910 at the age of 71 in Muskogee. This statue is a dedication to Bass Reeves and all federal lawmen who bravely served our nation with valor, fortitude, and unwavering integrity.

Art T. Burton/Michael

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Erected 2012 by the Bass Reeves Legacy Initiative Committee.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.

Location. 35° 23.361′ N, 94° 25.726′ W. Marker is in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in Sebastian County. Marker is on Garrison Ave (U.S. 64), on the left when traveling west. Located within Ross Pendergraft Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 Garrison Ave, Fort Smith AR 72901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves (within shouting distance of this marker); North 2nd Street in 1860 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Women’s Jail, 1872-1888 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Guardhouse, 1849-1871 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Parade Grounds (within shouting distance of this marker); The Flagstaff (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Frisco Train Depot (about 300 feet away); A Building Worth Saving (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Smith.

Also see . . .

Bass Reeves - Lawman on the Western Frontier Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

2. Bass Reeves - Lawman on the Western Frontier Statue

Bronze by Harold T. Holden is over 25 feet tall.

Bass Reeves Legacy Monument Revealed. Video. “Reeves, an African-American man born into slavery in Crawford County, worked his entire life to overcome racial hardships eventually becoming the first black lawman west of the Mississippi River. He even earned the title of legend. Many say the unveiling was a long time coming. The monument took 5 years to create.” (Submitted on August 2, 2012, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)

Additional keywords. Harold Holden, sculptor

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

3. Bass Reeves - Lawman on the Western Frontier Marker

The plaques are of many various donors who contributed towards erecting this statue.

U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

4. U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves

"Into the Territories" Sculptor: Harold T. Holden Dedicated May 26th, 2012 Guest Reddick Architects

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

5. Bass Reeves - Lawman on the Western Frontier Marker

Back to the Fort painted by Fort Smith artist John Bell Jr.

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

6. Bass Reeves - Lawman on the Western Frontier Marker

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

7. Bass Reeves - Lawman on the Western Frontier Marker

Bass Reeves - Donor Contribution Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

8. Bass Reeves - Donor Contribution Marker

Bass Reeves - Donor Contribution Marker #2 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

9. Bass Reeves - Donor Contribution Marker #2

Bass Reeves - Donor Contribution Marker #3 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

10. Bass Reeves - Donor Contribution Marker #3

Bass Reeves - Donor Contribution Marker #4 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

11. Bass Reeves - Donor Contribution Marker #4

Bass Reeves - Lawman on the Western Frontier image. Click for full size.

12. Bass Reeves - Lawman on the Western Frontier

Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 2,520 times since then and 117 times this year. Last updated on August 2, 2012, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. It was the Marker of the Week August 12, 2012. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. submitted on July 28, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.