From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Texas Ranger Division, commonly known as the Texas Rangers, is a law enforcement agency with statewide jurisdiction based in Austin, the capital city of Texas, in the United States. Over the years, the Texas Rangers have investigated crimes ranging from murder to political corruption, acted as riot police and as detectives, protected the Texas governor, tracked down fugitives, and functioned as a quasi-military force at the service of both the Republic (1836–45) and the state of Texas.

The Texas Rangers were unofficially created by Stephen F. Austin in 1823 and formally constituted in 1835. Although the organization went through periods of inactivity during the 19th century, it was never officially dissolved. Since 1935, the organization has been a division of the Texas Department of Public Safety and currently fulfills the role of Texas's State Bureau of Investigation. As of 2005, there are 118 active Rangers.

The Rangers have taken part in many of the most important events of Texas history and were involved in some of the most well known criminal cases in the history of the Old West, such as those of gunfighter John Wesley Hardin, bank robber Sam Bass, and outlaws Bonnie and Clyde. Scores of books have been written about the Rangers, from well-researched works of nonfiction to pulp novels, making them significant participants in the mythology of the Wild West. During their long history, a distinct Ranger tradition has evolved, and their cultural significance to Texans is such that they are legally protected against disbandment.

1919 Investigation - Loyalty Rangers

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

Texas Rangers Law Enforcement Association

Texas Department of Public Safety Ranger History

Fallen Heroes 1839-1900

Capt. Monroe Fox and two other Rangers on horseback with their lariats around the bodies of dead Mexican bandits, October 8, 1915.