Synopsis

Bass Reeves is born into slavery in 1838. When the American Civil War begins, George Robertson Reeves, Bass' master, joins the Confederate Army, taking Bass with him. But Bass Reeves escapes his master, and gains his freedom. Bass severely beats his master, and flees to the Indian Territory where he lived among the Cherokee, Creeks and Seminoles. He stays in the Indian Territories and learns their languages until he is freed by the Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery. Reeves gets appointed federal judge for the Indian Territory, because he speaks several Indian languages. Bass becomes the first black deputy to serve west of the Mississippi River. He arrests over 3,000 felons. But when he has to arrest his own son for murder, he is puts the law before family.