2. Bass Reeves, the Lone Ranger
Western films typically depict the Wild West as entirely white. This concept couldn’t be further from reality, given that around 25% of cowboys were actually black. Many freed slaves fled west seeking wealth and safety. Bass Reeves was a legendary U.S. Marshall who was an expert marksman, an excellent rider and traveled with a Native American companion. It is entirely possible that he was the source of the Lone Ranger mythology, given his exploits. Despite his success, prejudice was widespread in the West with cowboy liking originating as a slur used towards black cowhands.
