Henry Ossian Flipper: A Trailblazer in Military History
Henry Ossian Flipper’s journey to becoming the first African American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point is a story of resilience and perseverance. His life and career, marked by discrimination and injustice, also highlight his
Bud Ledbetter: Deputy U.S. Marshal, Loyal Friend
In the annals of U.S. Marshal history, a few legendary names stand out—Bass Reeves, Wyatt Earp, Heck Thomas, Sam Sixkiller and among them, Bud Ledbetter. Born into a turbulent era of the American frontier, Bud Ledbetter’s career as a lawman
A History of the Buffalo Soldiers and a Look at Bynum Colbert’s Journey from Buffalo Soldier to Deputy U.S. Marshal
The Buffalo Soldiers hold a revered place in American history, symbolizing a legacy of resilience, courage, and patriotism. These brave African American soldiers served in the U.S. Army during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leaving an indelible mark
Sarah Rector: The 11-Year-Old Creek Freedman Who Became the Richest Black Girl in America
Sarah Rector's remarkable journey from a Creek Freedman child to becoming the richest Black girl in America is one of the most fascinating stories in American history. Her life was dramatically transformed in 1913 when oil was discovered on her
Judge Isaac C. Parker: A Reformative Force for Justice in the Lawless Old West
Judge Isaac C. Parker, often referred to as the "Hanging Judge," is one of the most iconic and controversial figures of the American Old West. Born on October 15, 1838, in Barnesville, Ohio, Parker grew up to become a federal
Bass Reeves Documentary Hailed as a Must-See by True West Magazine
True West magazine has recently published a glowing review of In Search of Bass Reeves, a documentary that seeks to separate myth from reality about the legendary Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves. Directed by Dana Celeste Robinson of Knox Robinson
Cherokee Chief Stand Watie: The Legacy of A Native American Confederate General
Cherokee Chief Stand Watie, a prominent Cherokee leader and Confederate brigadier general, played a pivotal role during the American Civil War and in the history of the Cherokee Nation. As the only Native American to achieve the rank of general
Cherokee Chief John Ross: The Complex Legacy of a Native American Slaveholder
John Ross, one of the most significant figures in Cherokee history, is a man of immense complexity. Serving as the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation for nearly 40 years, Ross played a critical role in leading the Cherokee through
Bill Pickett: The Legendary Black Cowboy Who Revolutionized Rodeo
William “Bill” Pickett was not just any cowboy; he was a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on American history, particularly in the world of rodeo. As one of the most famous Black cowboys, Pickett's contributions extend far beyond his
Clara Brown: A Case Study in Post-Emancipation Mobility for Black Women Pioneers
Clara Brown, a figure often referred to as the “Angel of the Rockies,” represents a significant case in the study of Black women's experiences in the post-emancipation American West. Her life, spanning nearly 85 years, offers valuable insights into the