Bass Reeves: Unveiling the Remarkable Life of George Reeves

Article Overview

Colonel George Reeves, the individual who possessed authority over Bass Reeves, was a commanding figure within the Confederate Army. Following the war, however, he unjustly deprived Bass of his freedom, betraying a sense of treachery. Despite initially dedicating himself to the Confederacy, Reeves chose to resign from his position as Colonel before the formal conclusion of the Civil War due to conflicts with his superior officer.

Reeves achieved political success in Texas after the war. He served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives until his death in 1882 from rabies.

Among the most captivating and morally compromised figures in Lawmen is Colonel George Reeves, portrayed by Shea Whigham (Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One). George Reeves, who was the actual owner of Bass Reeves before the end of slavery in the United States, was a key character. Slavery was abolished in 1865 with the ratification of the 13th Amendment. During the United States Civil War, George Reeves fought as one of the Confederate Army leaders from 1861 to 1865. He held the distinction of being the longest-serving Colonel of the 11th Regiment of the Texas Calvary.

George Reeves Resigned As Colonel Near The End Of The Civil War

Reeves, prior to enlisting in the war, held the position of Sheriff in Grayson County, Texas from 1850 to 1854. Whigham's portrayal of George Reeves in the movie illustrates him as a determined and fierce warrior who hands Bass Reeves a rifle during the tumultuous Battle of Pea Ridge in Arkansas. The majority of the soldiers from the 11th Texas Calvary perished in combat, highlighting the remarkable nature of George Reeves' survival. However, this rare occurrence led to him suffering a brutal beating from Bass Reeves after he deceitfully broke his promise of granting freedom in exchange for heroic actions on the battlefield. This betrayal occurred during a game of poker, where George Reeves once again stripped Bass Reeves of his liberty.

In spite of his extensive efforts to aid the Confederacy in prevailing throughout most of the Civil War, George Reeves penned his letter of resignation as Colonel in 1865, even before the war officially concluded. Reeves spearheaded Confederate advances in several momentous battles of the U.S. Civil War, such as the September 1863 Battle of Chickamauga, where Bass Reeves is also believed to have involuntarily participated. After Bass outsmarted him and fled from Texas, George Reeves continued his service but ultimately left the Confederate cause due to irreconcilable disagreements with his superior officer.

Reeves Pursued A Successful Political Career In Texas From 1866 To 1882

George Reeves, a former Confederate Army member, made the decision to leave the military and pursue a career in politics, believing it would be a more effective way to serve his country. In 1866, just one year after the conclusion of the Civil War, Reeves was elected as a member of the Texas State Legislature. This title was bestowed upon him four times over a span of fourteen years. A particularly noteworthy achievement in his political career came in 1881, when George Reeves became the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the State of Texas, the highest position within the U.S. Government that he would ever attain. Tragically, in 1882, Reeves was inflicted with rabies from a dog bite and succumbed to the disease in September of that same year. In 1884, Reeves County in Texas was named in honor of the renowned Lawman: Bass Reeves.

Editor's P/S

As a fan of the show "Lawmen", I am intrigued by the character of Colonel George Reeves, portrayed by Shea Whigham. Despite initially dedicating himself to the Confederate Army, Reeves chose to resign from his position as Colonel before the formal conclusion of the Civil War due to conflicts with his superior officer. This act of defiance and his subsequent political success in Texas paint a picture of a complex and determined individual.

The betrayal of Bass Reeves by Colonel George Reeves is a pivotal moment in the show, highlighting the morally compromised nature of some characters. Despite promising freedom to Bass in exchange for heroic actions on the battlefield, Reeves deceitfully breaks his word during a game of poker, stripping Bass of his liberty once again. This betrayal sets the stage for Bass's eventual escape from Texas and his journey to become a lawman.