Black Cowboys ⭐️🐎

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Hello Hue-man!

Venturing beyond the sun-drenched horizons of the American West, the tales of cowboys have captivated hearts and imaginations for generations. Yet, within legendary narratives, many real-life Black cowboys have often been overlooked in the mainstream until recently.

Every person on this list has been featured in at least one film or TV show. While we won’t elaborate on which pieces are factual or original works of fiction, we will point out notable depictions and their actors.

Bass Reeves 

Bass Reeves is a figure we’ve covered before on History in Hue. One of the first Black deputies west of the Mississippi River, Reeves became a legendary figure for his role as a lawman in what is known as modern-day Oklahoma. He is credited with arresting more than 3,000 criminals and surviving numerous gunfights, making him one of the most celebrated U.S. Marshals in history.

In the last decade, Reeves has received some much-deserved attention on the silver screen being depicted by David Gyasi in Hell on the Border (2019) and Delroy Lindo in Netflix’s The Harder They Fall (2021). Furthermore, Reeves has received a lead role in his own miniseries titled Lawmen: Bass Reeves, starring David Oyelowo.

Bill Pickett

A rodeo star known for inventing the technique of bulldogging, the skill of grabbing cattle by the horns and wrestling them to the ground. Pickett's daring performances gained him fame, and he became a star attraction of the Wild West shows, including the 101 Ranch Wild West Show.

Like Bass Reeves, Pickett was also featured in The Harder They Fall, played by Edi Gathegi.

Nat Love 

Also known as "Deadwood Dick," Love was born a slave but became a cowboy after the Civil War. He claimed to have won a cowboy roping and shooting contest in Deadwood, South Dakota, earning him his nickname. Love's autobiography details his adventures and encounters throughout the American West.

Nate Love is the third person on this list featured in The Harder They Fall, played by Jonathan Majors and the main protagonist of the film.

Isom Dart

Born into slavery, Ned Huddleston, aka Isom Dart, became a notable cowboy and cattle rustler in the American West after the Civil War. He worked as a ranch hand and became known for his skills, but his involvement in cattle rustling led to his eventual downfall. Dart is remembered as one of the few African American outlaws in the Old West.

In film Dart has been portray by Danny Glover in the TV movie Hannah's Law (2012).

Mary Fields

Also known as "Stagecoach Mary," Fields was the first African American woman to work as a mail carrier in the United States and was the second American woman to do so. She was known for her toughness, reliability, and dedication to her job, delivering mail in Montana despite the harsh conditions and dangers of the frontier.

Stagecoach Mary's most recent portrayal in film was by Zazie Beetz in The Harder They Fall.

Conclusion

As we saddle up and ride into the sunset of our exploration, we carry with us the powerful stories of Bass Reeves, Bill Pickett, Nat Love, Isom Dart, and 'Stagecoach Mary' Fields—key figures not just of the Wild West, but of a history that continues to inspire courage, resilience, and the true spirit of adventure.

Best regards,

Gio

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