Charles Bassett – Dodge City Lawman
Charles "Charlie" C. Bassett stands as a significant figure in the annals of the American West, a man who traded the comforts of his eastern upbringing for the rugged challenges of frontier life. He etched his name into the history of Dodge City, Kansas, a town renowned for its lawlessness and colorful characters, by serving as both Sheriff and City Marshal. His story is one of courage, dedication, and a commitment to upholding the law in a place where the line between order and chaos was often blurred. This Charles Bassett‘s biography is a testament to the spirit of the Old West.
Born on October 30, 1847, in the whaling town of New Bedford, Massachusetts, Bassett’s early life was far removed from the dusty streets and smoky saloons of Dodge City. The son of a New Englander, he would have been exposed to a vastly different culture than what he would later encounter. However, the winds of change were already sweeping across the nation, and the impending Civil War would soon alter the course of his life.
Like many young men of his generation, Bassett answered the call to arms, enlisting in the Union Army to fight for the preservation of the nation. The Civil War was a crucible that forged character and tested the limits of human endurance. While the specifics of his military service remain somewhat obscure, it is clear that he emerged from the conflict a changed man, hardened by the realities of war and perhaps drawn to the promise of a new beginning in the West.
Following his discharge from the Union Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Bassett made the pivotal decision to remain in the West, a land of opportunity and adventure that beckoned to those seeking a fresh start. He gravitated towards Dodge City, a burgeoning cow town situated on the banks of the Arkansas River, which was rapidly becoming a hub for cattle drives, buffalo hunters, and fortune seekers of all stripes. Dodge City, in the 1870s, was a rough-and-tumble place, teeming with saloons, gambling dens, and brothels, and where the law was often enforced by the gun. It was in this environment that Charles Bassett would make his mark.
Bassett’s career in law enforcement began on June 5, 1873, when he was elected Sheriff of Ford County, which encompassed Dodge City and the surrounding area. This was a crucial role in a county struggling to maintain order amidst the influx of transient populations and criminal elements. Bassett quickly demonstrated his commitment to upholding the law, earning a reputation as a fair and resolute lawman.
One of his most notable partnerships was with Under-Sheriff Bat Masterson, another legendary figure of the Old West. Together, Bassett and Masterson formed a formidable team, working to maintain order in Dodge City and pursue outlaws who dared to cross their path. One particular instance of their collaboration involved the pursuit of the notorious Sam Bass gang, following their daring robbery of a Union Pacific train in Big Springs, Nebraska, in 1877. Although the pursuit was ultimately unsuccessful in apprehending Bass, it highlighted the dedication and tenacity of Bassett and Masterson in their efforts to bring criminals to justice.
Bassett served two consecutive terms as Sheriff of Ford County, demonstrating the confidence the local population had in his abilities. When a local ordinance prevented him from seeking a third term, Bat Masterson stepped into the role, further cementing the close relationship between the two men. Masterson, in turn, appointed Bassett as his Under-Sheriff, ensuring that his experience and expertise remained a vital part of the law enforcement apparatus in Dodge City.
In April 1878, tragedy struck when Ed Masterson, Bat’s brother, who was serving as Dodge City Marshal, was killed in the line of duty. This event deeply affected the community and created a void in the town’s leadership. Charles Bassett stepped up to fill this void, accepting the appointment as City Marshal and assuming responsibility for maintaining order within the town limits.
As City Marshal, Bassett oversaw a team of deputies, including Wyatt Earp and James Earp, who would later become famous figures in their own right. The presence of these seasoned lawmen further bolstered Dodge City’s reputation as a town where law and order were taken seriously.
During his tenure as marshal, Bassett was present at the infamous Loving-Richardson Shootout, which occurred in the Long Branch Saloon on April 5, 1879. This deadly confrontation, fueled by personal animosity and alcohol, underscored the volatile nature of life in Dodge City and the constant threat of violence that lawmen faced. While details of Bassett’s specific role in the shootout are scarce, his presence as the town’s top law enforcement official undoubtedly played a part in restoring order and preventing further bloodshed.
After resigning as Dodge City’s Marshal in November 1879, Charles Bassett embarked on a period of wandering, seeking his fortune in various ventures across the West. He worked as a guard for the Adams Express Company in New Mexico, protecting valuable shipments from bandits and outlaws. He also tried his hand at gold mining in Montana, hoping to strike it rich in the rugged mountains of the Treasure State.
His travels took him through Colorado and Texas, and he made frequent trips back to Dodge City, maintaining ties with his former colleagues and friends. This period of restlessness suggests a man searching for a new purpose, perhaps seeking to escape the confines of law enforcement and find fulfillment in other pursuits.
Eventually, Bassett settled in Kansas City, where he entered the saloon business, owning and operating several establishments. This venture suggests a desire to leverage his knowledge of the social scene and perhaps capitalize on the connections he had made during his time in Dodge City. Running a saloon in a bustling city like Kansas City would have presented its own set of challenges, requiring a different set of skills than those he honed as a lawman.
In 1883, Bassett returned to Dodge City during a period of turmoil when Luke Short, another prominent figure in the town’s history, became embroiled in a dispute with city authorities. Short, fearing for his safety, called upon his friends and allies for support, and Bassett was among those who answered the call. This incident highlights the strong bonds of camaraderie that existed among the lawmen and prominent citizens of Dodge City, who were willing to stand together in times of crisis.
Despite his various adventures and business ventures, Bassett’s health began to decline in his later years. He sought treatment at Hot Springs, Arkansas, a renowned destination for those seeking relief from various ailments. However, his condition continued to deteriorate, and he passed away on January 5, 1896.
Charles Bassett‘s legacy as a Dodge City lawman is one of dedication, courage, and a commitment to upholding the law in a challenging environment. He played a vital role in shaping the history of Dodge City, helping to transform it from a lawless frontier town into a more civilized community. While his life was filled with adventure and hardship, he left behind a reputation as a fair and resolute lawman, a testament to his character and his unwavering commitment to justice. His story continues to be told, ensuring that his contributions to the history of the American West are not forgotten.