This guy is a legendary figure from the Wild West — Bass Reeves. This gentleman was born a slave in 1838 in Crawford Country, Arkansas. After the 13th amendment was passed, Reeves became a free man. Interestingly, his time with the Native population landed Reeves his first job as a tour guide of Native territory.
What makes Reeves a legendary figure is that he became the first deputy US marshal of African descent. He quickly rose up in the ranks because of his solid reputation in law enforcement. All in all, he made 3000 arrests of dangerous criminals.
Olive Ann Oatman
This rare image shows Olive Ann Oatman. Her family was captured and killed in 1851. She and her sister were captured by a Tribe called the Tolkepayas and then were sold to another tribe.
Her sister died of hunger. Luckily for her, she was able to return home after spending five years imprisoned with the Mohave.
The Notorious Jesse James
One very well-known outlaw back then was named Jesse James. He and his brother formed the James-Younger Gang. It’s safe to say that these two were inseparable, and had a sibling bond like no other.
They were accused of committing multiple monstrosities against Union soldiers during the war, including many robberies.
Belle Starr
Horse theft was a serious thing back in the Old West. No one knew this better than Belle Starr, who would eventually be arrested for this crime in 1883. Starr would go down in US history as one of the most famous female outlaws.
While it is not clear what part she played in the crimes her gang committed, she ran in the same circles as Jesse James and the Younger Brothers gang. Whether she was a mastermind criminal or simply guilty by association, Starr styled herself as a Queen bandit, because she dressed in velvet, feathers, or buckskin.
Citadel Rock, Green River Valley
A part of photographer Andrew Joseph Russell’s collection “Sun Pictures of Rocky Mountain Scenery,” we have this historic photograph showing the construction of railroad lines in Green River Valley in Wyoming. In the backdrop is the landmark Citadel Rock. What is iconic about Russell’s photograph is that it captures a historic moment: railroad construction across the USA.
During the 19th century, railroads spread across the USA. We see the construction workers as well as the smoke of the arriving train. Yet, also in the background, there is the interesting rock formation of Citadel Rock.