Bad+News+for+Outlaws

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson



The story of Bass Reeves is the story of a remarkable African American and a remarkable hero of the Old West.

Sitting tall in the saddle, with a wide-brimmed black hat and twin Colt pistols on his belt, Bass Reeves seemed bigger than life. Outlaws feared him. Law-abiding citizens respected him. As a peace officer, he was cunning and fearless. When a lawbreaker heard Bass Reeves had his warrant, he knew it was the end of the trail because Bass Reeves always got his man—dead or alive. He achieved all this in spite of whites who didn't approve of the notion of a black lawman.

About Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

More About Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

About Bass Reeves

More About Bass Reeves

media type="file" key="Bass Reeves Teaser Trailer.mp4" align="center" width="300" height="300"

Timeline and History of the U.S. Marshal Service

Books About the West Bad Guys by Andrew Glass

Legendary gunfighters come to life in this vivid look at eight of the most ornery guys and gals of the wild West. Here are the true stories of Wild Bill Hickock, Calamity Jane, Billy the Kid, Jesse James, Belle Starr, Doc Holliday, Black Bart, and Joaquin Murietta--often a far cry from the glamorous tales they told about themselves to the newspapers.

Wild Women of the Wild West by Jonah Winter

Annie Oakley could shoot a gun better than any man in the Wild West. Mary Fields hauled stones and lumber. When one man challenged her, she beat him in a gunfight. Time after time, Polly Pry, a newspaper reporter, risked her life when she exposed bad guys and wrote the truth. And Sarah Winnemucca, daughter of a Paiute chief, fought in battle, negotiated peace between Indians and settlers, and gained civil rights for her people.

Biographical sketches, color portraits and sepia line drawings reveal the accomplishments of fifteen amazing women whose adventurous spirit helped build our nation.

Cowboys of the Frontier by Charles W. Sundling

A brief introduction to the day-to-day life of cowboys in the American West.

Mountain Men of the Frontier by Charles W. Sundling

Discusses some of the explorers and trappers who journeyed west to hunt and trade beaver pelts and other commodities during the early nineteenth century.

Children of the Trail West by Holly Littlefield

Explores the experiences of American children who traveled west to Oregon or California on wagon trains between 1841 and 1869, focusing on transportation, chores, recreation, and dangers.

The Sweetwater Run: The Story of Buffalo Bill cody and the Pony Express by Andrew Glass

In 1860 the only Pony Express job 13-year-old Will Cody could land was the "sweat and water run," taking care of the tired and thirsty ponies. But one chilly November morning, Will has his big chance. The news of the U.S. presidential election has been entrusted to the pony boys, and from the looks of it, only Will would be able to get the mail through. But should he risk his own safety and the wrath of his boss, the Terrible Slade, and ride himself?

Wanted: A Few good riders by Darice Bailer

When Kevin visits the Smithsonian Institution's National Postal Museum, he is drawn in by the video featuring Boston Upson, one of the riders of the Pony Express. Kevin turns away from the screen to realize he has suddenly become Upson, waiting for the mail outside the station! Kevin plays the part of Upson, witnessing important history as experienced by the daring Pony Express riders.

They’re Off! The Story of the Pony Express by Cheryl Harness

In 1860, with North and South about to be divided by war, East and West were united through an extraordinary venture -- the Pony Express. Over the course of ten days in April, eighty riders and five hundred horses delivered mail between California and Missouri -- a mission that took three weeks by stagecoach.

Although it existed for only a year and a half, the Pony Express remains a legendary chapter in American history and a symbol of the bold, adventurous character of the Old West.