Art T. Burton Knihy

Focusing on the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans as scouts and soldiers on the western frontier, this book delves into their experiences during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It highlights their significant roles in military incidents and critical engagements, while also addressing the challenges they faced in frontier towns. This work builds on the author's previous research, providing a deeper understanding of the adventures and impacts of black men during the westward expansion.

Set in the late nineteenth century, this narrative explores the life of Cherokee Bill, an outlaw whose daring exploits captivated the American public much like notorious criminals of the following decades. With national media coverage, including a running commentary in the New York Times, his story reflects the fascination with crime and celebrity during that era. The book delves into the complexities of his character and the societal context that shaped his actions, offering a glimpse into the allure and consequences of a life of crime.

In this new edition of the biography of Bass Reeves, who was formerly enslaved and then served as a peace officer in and around late nineteenth-century Indian Territory, Art Burton traces Reeves’s presence in contemporary national media and in popular modern media.