The Texas Rangers have a long and complex history spanning nearly two centuries. This elite law enforcement group began in 1823 when Stephen F. Austin formed a small band of men to protect settlers in his Texas colony. Over time, the Rangers grew into a respected and sometimes controversial force that shaped the development of Texas.
Rangers played many roles throughout Texas history. They fought in battles, chased outlaws, and kept order on the frontier. Their actions were often heroic but sometimes troubling by today’s standards. The Rangers became symbols of Texas culture and gained fame across the United States. Their story reflects both the triumphs and challenges of Texas as it grew from a colony to a state.
Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers have a long and complex history spanning almost two centuries. These lawmen patrolled the frontier, fought in battles, and chased cattle thieves. While known for brave acts, their legacy is mixed. Rangers protected settlers and upheld laws, but some also carried out harsh punishments without trials.
The Rangers gained a fearsome reputation along the border, where some Mexicans called them “Los Diablos Tejanos” (The Texan Devils). Their actions sometimes went beyond law enforcement to include forcing Native Americans off their lands.
The Ranger badge became a symbol of authority in Texas. The organization’s “ranging” tradition of mobile patrols on horseback was key to their effectiveness in the vast Texas territory. Despite controversies, the Texas Rangers remain an important part of Texas history and culture.
Guardians of the Frontier
In 1823, Stephen F. Austin created a small group of men to protect his colony. He picked 10 individuals and paid them himself. This marked the start of the Texas Rangers.
Austin felt the Mexican government wasn’t doing enough to keep his settlers safe. He wanted these “rangers” to watch over the roads and wild areas near the colony. Their job was to look out for thieves and hostile groups.
Many Rangers came from Austin’s own colony. They joined to help keep their families safe from attacks. Some also wanted to get back at those who had raided before.
The Rangers became official during the Texas Revolution in 1836. The new government set them up to guard the Texas frontier and protect settlers from raids. After Texas won its freedom from Mexico, the Rangers kept working in much the same way. They would form groups when needed, then break up after finishing their tasks.
Key figures in Ranger history:
- Stephen F. Austin: Started the Rangers
- Moses Morrison: Led the first Ranger group
- Sam Houston: Supported the Rangers as president of Texas
- Mirabeau B. Lamar: Expanded the Rangers as the second president of Texas
The Rangers played a big role in Texas growth:
- Protected new settlements
- Helped with colonization efforts
- Fought in conflicts with Mexico
- Dealt with conflicts between settlers and Native Americans
Original Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers are known to be the guardians of the Wild West. Interestingly, these skilled units are still present today. They have a colorful history that is ridden with legendary tales of gunfights and Indian fights, but as time passed on, they gradually became an elite investigative body.
The ten men that Stephen Austin hired in 1823 were the first-ever Texas Rangers. These brave frontiersmen protected the early Texan settlers from hostile Indians and outlaws. Duties also included conducting reconnaissance missions, rounding up livestock, and escorting wagon trains.
John Coffee Hays
John Coffee Hays was one of the most famous Texas Rangers of all time. He joined the Rangers in 1833 and served for more than 20 years. Hays was a master of frontier warfare and was known for his bravery and toughness. He participated in many key Ranger operations, including the Battle of Plum Creek and the Mexican-American War.
Captain Bill McDonald
Captain Bill McDonald was another famous Texas Ranger. He served as a Ranger captain from 1891 until 1907. McDonald was known for his toughness and his ability to get results. He led many successful Ranger operations, including high-profile criminal cases. His reputable marksmanship is what makes him stand out from the rest.
John B. Jones
John B. Jones was a Texas Ranger for several years and served as the captain of the Frontier Battalion in 1874. He was responsible for modernizing the Rangers and making them into the effective law enforcement agency that they are today. Jones is also credited with establishing the Ranger tradition of wearing a distinctive uniform. Because of Jones’ exceptional work and contribution, he was promoted to the adjutant general of the state of Texas in 1879. However, John B. Jones died in service two years later due to natural causes.
John B. Armstrong
Another prominent member of the Texas Rangers is John B. Armstrong. He joined the Texas Rangers around 1872, wherein he was initially a member of a group called Travis Rifles. Interestingly, Armstrong gained recognition as a Texas Ranger thanks his successful capture of John Wesley Hardin – one of the notorious criminals in the state.
Samuel H. Walker
Samuel H. Walker was a Captain in the Texas Rangers and served during the Mexican-American War. He’s considered one of the most important members of the Ranger force and is renowned for his fighting skills. Walker was killed at the Battle of Huamantla, but not before making a significant impact on the Rangers.
William “Bigfoot” Wallace
When you think about the Texas Rangers, one of the most iconic names you might hear is Bigfoot. Also known as William Wallace, this nineteen-year-old giant earned the name Bigfoot because of his incredible size. Wallace joined the Rangers in 1842 and quickly became one of their most effective members. He served under the supervision of Captain Jack Hays, wherein they worked together on countless missions. Furthermore, because of his undeniable potential, Wallace led his own troops in the 1850s.
Ben McCulloch
Ben McCulloch was an iconic Texas Ranger that fought in the Battle of Plum Creek, wherein he served as the first lieutenant of Captain Jack Hays. McCulloch also participated in other major events, such as the Mexican War, Gold Rush, and Civil War. However, he was killed in March 1862 during the Battle of Pea Ridge.
Frank Hamer
Frank Hamer was one of the most celebrated Texas Rangers in history. He began his career as a Ranger in 1906 and rose through the ranks until he became a captain. Hamer is best known for tracking down and killing Bonnie and Clyde – two of America’s most wanted criminals.
Over time, the Rangers became a key part of Texas law and order. They adapted to new challenges as Texas changed from a colony to an independent nation, and later to a U.S. state.
Guarding the Frontier
The Texas Rangers played a key role in protecting settlers on the Texas frontier in the mid-1800s. After Texas gained independence in 1836, many new settlers moved to the area, drawn by cheap land. This led to clashes with Native American tribes already living there.
Ranger companies rode on horseback to patrol the frontier and Mexican border. They acted as mounted riflemen, using rifles, pistols, and knives. Rangers traveled light, carrying only basic supplies like salt, ammunition, and corn. This allowed them to move quickly across the open prairie.
John “Jack” Coffee Hays became a famous Ranger leader during this time. He fought in major battles against Native American tribes and showed bravery in combat. Hays rose through the ranks to command Ranger units on frontier patrols.
The Rangers also dealt with bandits along the Rio Grande in the 1840s. Thieves would cross from Mexico to steal cattle and rob travelers, then flee back across the border. Hays was given power to track down and execute these bandits without trial.
Rangers had to supply their own horses, gear, and weapons. The Texas government paid them a small daily wage plus a monthly food allowance. Officers earned higher salaries than regular Rangers.
Scouting and tracking skills were key for Rangers patrolling the vast frontier. They learned to follow trails and spot signs of bandits or raiding parties. Rangers worked to protect isolated ranches and settlements from attacks.
The Rangers’ duties expanded over time. By the 1870s, the Frontier Battalion was formed with six Ranger companies. They continued to guard settlers but also enforced laws and pursued outlaws across Texas.
Texas Rangers as Military Forces
The Texas Rangers played a key role in many military conflicts throughout Texas history. During the Texas Revolution, Rangers fought to gain independence from Mexico. They took part in major battles like San Jacinto that led to the creation of the Republic of Texas.
After Texas joined the United States in 1845, Rangers joined American forces in the U.S.-Mexican War. They used their tracking and scouting skills to help locate enemy camps. Rangers gained fame as tough fighters, earning the nickname “los diablos Tejanos” (the devil Texans) from some Mexicans.
The Rangers’ actions were not always honorable. Some burned homes and killed civilians after battles. Others stole from Mexican peasants. This tarnished their heroic image.
Rangers also fought in the Civil War, mostly for the Confederacy. Their frontier experience made them valuable cavalry troops.
During World War I, Rangers helped patrol the U.S.-Mexico border. They worked to prevent German agents from entering Texas through Mexico.
The Rangers’ combat role decreased over time as they focused more on law enforcement. But their military roots shaped their identity for decades.
Key Ranger military contributions:
- Fought for Texas independence
- Scouted in U.S.-Mexican War
- Served as Confederate cavalry
- Guarded border in World War I
Their weapons evolved too. Early Rangers used single-shot rifles and pistols. Later they adopted repeating firearms like the Colt revolver. This gave them an edge in frontier combat.
| Conflict | Years | Ranger Role |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Revolution | 1835-1836 | Fought for independence |
| U.S.-Mexican War | 1846-1848 | Scouts and fighters |
| Civil War | 1861-1865 | Confederate cavalry |
| World War I | 1917-1918 | Border security |
The Rangers’ mix of military and law enforcement duties made them a unique force. Their combat skills and frontier tactics set them apart from regular troops. This blend of roles shaped the Rangers’ image as rugged warriors and lawmen.
Taking the Fight to Native Tribes
After the U.S.-Mexican War, the Texas Rangers shifted their focus. They began taking a more forceful approach to patrolling the frontier and dealing with Native American tribes.
The U.S. Army struggled to protect settlers from attacks due to limited numbers. The Rangers stepped in to fill this gap. They kept up their usual duties of chasing cattle thieves and responding to raids. But they also started to act more aggressively. Instead of just reacting, they began tracking tribe movements and launching attacks.
In 1858, a major campaign took place. John Salmon “Rip” Ford led 100 Rangers on a six-month mission against the Comanches. They teamed up with 100 Tonkawa fighters, who were enemies of the Comanches. Their goal was to punish the Comanches for raids in Texas.
Ford’s group chased Comanche raiders across borders without permission. They found a large Comanche camp at Little Robe Creek. Though outnumbered 600 to 200, the Rangers and Tonkawas attacked. Their better weapons helped them win. They killed 80 Comanches and lost only one man.
This victory made many think Texas should rely on Rangers, not the U.S. Army, for safety. The Rangers kept using these tough tactics for 20 years. They only stopped when most Native Americans were forced out of Texas.
The Rangers fought many tribes during this time. Besides the Comanches, they battled groups like:
- Apache
- Cherokee
- Lipan
- Kiowa
These fights ranged from small clashes to big battles. The Rangers often had help from tribes who were enemies of their targets. This gave them local knowledge and extra fighters.
One famous battle was at Antelope Hills. A Comanche leader called “Iron Jacket” faced the Rangers. He wore Spanish armor and was thought to be bulletproof. When Rangers killed him, it crushed Comanche spirits.
The Rangers’ actions during this time were harsh. They often attacked Native American camps without warning. This led to the deaths of women and children. The Rangers saw these raids as needed to protect settlers. But their methods were cruel and caused much suffering.
By the late 1870s, most Native American tribes were gone from Texas. The Rangers had played a big part in pushing them out. This marked the end of an era for both the Rangers and the tribes they fought against.
Guardians of the Frontier
In 1874, Texas made the Ranger force permanent. These lawmen soon faced new challenges as settlers moved west. The Rangers kept order during disputes over salt lakes and fenced land. They also hunted down outlaws like the Conner Gang.
The Rangers became fixtures in rural Texas. They rode the open range on horseback, armed with rifles and pistols. Their Colt revolvers gave them an edge against cattle rustlers and other criminals.
Rangers often camped in tents while on patrol. They had to be ready for anything in the lawless frontier. Their presence helped tame the Wild West as Texas grew.
As towns got bigger, local police took over. By 1901, Texas cut back on Rangers. But for decades, they were the main law in remote areas.
Rangers needed grit and firepower to survive. A typical Ranger carried:
- Winchester rifle
- Colt revolver
- Knife
- Rope
- Canteen
This gear helped them face dangers like:
- Armed outlaws
- Harsh weather
- Wild animals
- Lack of supplies
The Rangers’ legacy lives on in Texas lore. They played a key role in shaping the state during a crucial time of growth and change.
Trouble at the Borderlands
The 1910s brought dark times to the Texas-Mexico border. Fights broke out between white settlers and Mexican Americans. In 1915, Texas sent many Rangers to stop the chaos. But instead of helping, some Rangers made things worse.
The Rangers hurt and killed hundreds of Mexican Americans without any good reason. They didn’t bother to find out who was really causing trouble. Many innocent people suffered.
The governor told the Rangers to stop, but they kept going for years. Finally, in 1919, a lawmaker named José Tomas Canales said it was time to look into what the Rangers were doing.
A group checked things out and found the Rangers had broken lots of rules. They had been too violent. After that, most of the new Rangers lost their jobs. Some Ranger groups were shut down. New rules made it harder to become a Ranger.
This dark time left deep scars. It showed how law and order can go wrong when people in power act unfairly. The border area suffered from the violence for years to come.
Moving Toward a Modern Force
The 1920s marked a shift for the Texas Rangers. Under new leaders like Wright, Hickman, and Hamer, the group began to take on a more professional role. They focused on law enforcement duties such as catching smugglers and cattle thieves along the border.
A political misstep in 1932 led to major changes. The Rangers backed the wrong candidate for governor. When Miriam “Ma” Ferguson won, she fired all the Rangers. This forced a complete rebuild of the force with new recruits. The 1930s saw a rise in crime as the newer Rangers learned the ropes.
In 1935, the Rangers joined the Texas Department of Public Safety. This move placed them within a larger law agency. The Rangers became detectives, while Highway Patrol officers handled other police work.
As the real Rangers changed, pop culture spread an old-fashioned image. The 1949 TV show “The Lone Ranger” painted them as heroic frontier lawmen. Movies added to this romanticized view, which often ignored past mistakes.
The Rangers kept working to improve their methods and image. They aimed to become a modern, skilled police force. This push for growth helped them move past some of the problems in their history.
Key changes in the Rangers’ structure:
- Joined Texas Department of Public Safety in 1935
- Became the detective branch of law enforcement
- Shifted away from frontier-style policing
- Worked to build a more professional image
These steps helped shape the Rangers into the force we know today. They moved from their rough frontier roots toward a more organized, modern approach to law and order.
The Rangers’ Ongoing Legacy
The Texas Rangers continued to evolve throughout the 20th century. As the frontier era faded, they faced new challenges in law enforcement and adapted their roles accordingly.
In the 1920s and 1930s, the Rangers tackled issues related to Prohibition. They pursued bootleggers and shut down illegal stills across Texas. This period saw the Rangers clash with notorious criminals like Bonnie and Clyde, who captured the public’s imagination during their crime spree.
The Rangers’ methods sometimes stirred controversy. In 1918, a group of Rangers was implicated in the Porvenir massacre, where 15 Mexican Americans were killed. This incident highlighted tensions between the Rangers and ethnic minorities in Texas.
In 1935, the Texas Legislature created the Department of Public Safety. The Rangers became part of this new agency, marking their transition to a more modern police force. They took on roles in criminal investigation and intelligence gathering.
The Rangers’ reputation grew during this period, fueled by books, movies, and radio shows that romanticized their exploits. The image of the lone Ranger bringing order to the frontier became a powerful cultural symbol.
By the mid-20th century, the Rangers focused on complex criminal cases. They investigated political corruption, organized crime, and civil rights violations. In 1956, Ranger Captain Bob Crowder led the investigation into the murder of beauty queen Marta Esquivel, a case that grabbed national headlines.
The Rangers also played a role in significant historical events. In 1956, they were called in to maintain order during school desegregation in Mansfield, Texas. This put them at the center of the civil rights struggles of the era.
In the 1970s, the Rangers made efforts to diversify their ranks. In 1993, they appointed their first female Ranger, Cheryl Steadman. This marked a shift away from the organization’s traditionally all-male makeup.
Today’s Rangers are highly trained investigators. They handle a wide range of serious crimes, including:
- Murder
- Public corruption
- Organized crime
- Unsolved cases
The Rangers maintain their distinctive appearance, still wearing their trademark cowboy hats and boots. But their methods have modernized. They now use advanced forensic techniques and computer analysis in their investigations.
The Rangers’ history remains a subject of debate. Some celebrate their role in Texas history, while others point to past abuses and racial violence. This complex legacy continues to shape discussions about law enforcement and justice in Texas.
Despite these debates, the Rangers remain an iconic part of Texas culture. They feature in museums, books, and popular media. The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco attracts visitors from around the world.
The Rangers’ story is deeply tied to the broader history of Texas. From the state’s independence movement to its entry into the United States, Rangers played key roles in major events. Their evolution reflects the changing nature of law enforcement and the growth of Texas as a state.
Key dates in Rangers history:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1823 | Stephen F. Austin hires first “rangers” |
| 1835 | Rangers officially formed |
| 1874 | Rangers reorganized after Civil War |
| 1935 | Rangers join Department of Public Safety |
| 1993 | First female Ranger appointed |
The Rangers continue to adapt to new challenges. They now deal with issues like cybercrime and human trafficking. Their training and equipment have evolved to meet these modern threats.
The Rangers’ motto, “One Riot, One Ranger,” speaks to their reputation for toughness and self-reliance. While this image has been questioned by historians, it remains a powerful part of Texas lore.
Today’s Rangers balance their storied past with the demands of modern policing. They strive to uphold the law while grappling with the complexities of their history. As Texas grows and changes, the Rangers continue to play a vital role in the state’s law enforcement efforts.
