On December 18, 2024, Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston unveiled a portrait of Bass Reeves, a legendary U.S. Marshal, in the Capitol. This portrait is significant because it’s the first of a non-governor and an African American to be displayed in the Arkansas Capitol.
Reeves, born into slavery in 1838, escaped and became one of the first Black deputy marshals west of the Mississippi River. He was known for his bravery, and he arrested over 3,000 criminals during his career, becoming one of the most respected lawmen of the Old West.
The idea for the portrait came from a 2017 resolution by Senator Bryan King, who wanted to recognize Reeves’ contributions to law enforcement.
The portrait is part of a larger effort to educate the public about Reeves’ important legacy. Benjamin Johnson, CEO of the U.S. Marshals Museum, expressed pride in seeing Reeves’ history become more widely known.
The portrait was created by artist James Loveless Jr., who worked on it for six weeks. The painting shows Reeves in a formal style, though Loveless originally considered a more casual portrayal to reflect Reeves’ hardworking nature.
Loveless hopes his work helps highlight the contributions of Black historical figures, especially those like Reeves who have been overlooked in the past.
The portrait will remain on display in the Capitol, with rotating exhibits around it, and is part of efforts to ensure that future generations remember the stories of influential figures like Bass Reeves.