The Truth Behind Lawmen: Bass Reeves - A Journey into the Old West Legend

Uncovering Historical Inaccuracies

Following the finale of Taylor Sheridan's latest Western series Lawmen: Bass Reeves, many viewers have speculated just how much of the Paramount+ series is based on the Old West lawman's real-life history.

Esau Pierce in Lawmen Bass Reeves epiosde 6

While Lawmen: Bass Reeves isn't an official part of the Yellowstone extended universe, it was originally developed as a spinoff of the Yellowstone prequel series 1883, which is made even more clear by the chronology of some of the events that take place in Lawmen: Bass Reeves.

Bass Reeves in court in Lawmen Bass Reeves episode 7

Details surrounding Lawmen: Bass Reeves season 2 have yet to be announced as two of its executive producers other than Sheridan have hinted at different next steps.

Bass Reeves in Lawmen Bass Reeves episode 7

Although Esau Pierce, also known as Mr. Sundown, was a main rival of Bass Reeves' in the Paramount+ series, his character was not based on any real person that Bass Reeves might have encountered in real life.

Jennie and Rachel Reeves in Lawmen Bass Reeves finale

One of the biggest historical inaccuracies in Lawmen: Bass Reeves pertains to the details and the chronology of Bass Reeves' murder trial.

Bass Reeves and Jackson Cole in Lawmen Bass Reeves episode 5

The dramatized Bass Reeves in the Paramount+ series doesn't fully admit that he was guilty of killing posse cook Willy to Judge Parker, but he certainly doesn't make it easy on himself by professing his innocence outright.

Bass Reeves and Billy Crow in Lawmen Bass Reeves epiosde 6

The end of Lawmen: Bass Reeves hints at a peaceful and prosperous outcome for Bass Reeves and his family, but this unfortunately could not be further from the truth.

Sherill Quinn and Bass Reeves in Lawmen Bass Reeves episode 5

Separating Fact from Fiction

While Jackson Cole was one of the most compelling characters in all of Lawmen: Bass Reeves, his narrative was completely made up for the television series.

Bass Reeves riding in Lawmen Bass Reeves episode 7

As Bass Reeves' main sidekick throughout Lawmen: Bass Reeves, Billy Crow was also a completely fictional character.

Bass Reeves on Pistol in Lawmen Bass Reeves finale

Another significant fictional character in Lawmen: Bass Reeves is Sherill Lynn, played by Dennis Quaid.

The end of Lawmen Bass Reeves finale

While initially it may seem as though Sherill Lynn is based on real-life U.S. Marshal James. F. Fagan, one key detail makes it clear that the two are not connected.

Bass Reeves never seriously gets wounded in Lawmen: Bass Reeves, but there are two instances where it appears he is grazed or slightly impacted by a bullet.

Arguably the biggest misconception about the Old West lawman in Lawmen: Bass Reeves is how many people he killed on the job.

The Real Story of Bass Reeves

Details surrounding Lawmen: Bass Reeves season 2 have yet to be announced as two of its executive producers other than Sheridan have hinted at different next steps.

The murder of Jim Webb and Bass Reeves' trial both took place in 1884 and might have been initially planned to overlap with 1883, but ultimately Lawmen remains a standalone series.

Bass Reeves spent a great deal of money on court and attorney fees, resulting in him going bankrupt and having to sell his family's ranch in Van Buren, Arkansas.

Bass's defense claimed that Bass was cleaning his rifle when it accidentally went off and shot and killed Willy.

Jennie died in 1896 and Bass would remarry in 1900 still devoted as ever to his law enforcement profession.

Bass Reeves never worked with a posseman named Billy Crow.

Bass Reeves only killed 14 outlaws in his 32-year lawman career.