Texas Ranger
Texas Rangers, a state law-enforcement body that gained nationwide fame during the last quarter of the 19th century. In that era, Texas suffered lawlessness along the frontier, rustling along the cattle trails, and Mexican and Indian raids along the borders. The Rangers became legendary for their effectiveness in restoring order, as well as for the complete absence of discipline within their organization.
The force had its origin in 1823, when Stephen F. Austin, Texas colonizer, sent men to range (patrol) the frontier against Indian attack. For a dozen years the colonists maintained the patrol on an informal basis. Then in 1835, on the eve of the Texas revolt against Mexican rule, the force was formally organized.
The Rangers served as border defenders through the life of the Republic of Texas, 1836–45. The U.S. Army then took over the frontier defense, but its troops in Texas were largely infantrymen and were no match for mounted Indians. The Rangers, who traveled on horseback, were called back to duty. During the Civil War many of them served under B. F. Terry in Terry's Texas Rangers, a notable Confederate unit.
With the passing of the frontier in the late 19th century, the Rangers became involved in law enforcement activities among the settlers. In 1935 they were reorganized and made a division of the Department of Public Safety. Women were allowed to become Rangers in 1993. Today, Rangers are concerned mainly with crime and riot control. They function both as independent agents and as assistants to local, county, state, and federal authorities. They do not wear uniforms.