Texas Ranger History

American Indian & Hispanic Rangers

One of the persistent myths of Texas Ranger history is that, until recently, all Rangers were Anglo-Europeans. Surviving enlistment records prove that Texans of Hispanic and American Indian descent served from the Mexican era well into Statehood.

Black Texas Ranger History

This list of resources about Black Texas Ranger history was created to aid teachers and researchers. The list includes topics such as the first known Black Ranger, the role of the Rangers in struggle for desegregation, and the first Black Chief of the Rangers.

Bonnie, Clyde & the Barrow Gang

Frequently asked questions about these infamous criminals answered by the Research Center Librarians.

Historic Timeline

Texas Ranger history broken out in a timeline format.

Rangers on the Screen and in Pop-Culture

The Texas Rangers are one of the largest and oldest film, radio and television franchises. Songs and novels date back to the 1840s. Films from 1910, radio programs from 1933 and television as far back as 1949.

Rangers of the Republic of Texas

After the Revolution, "Texians" were more reliant on the Rangers than ever. The "Ranging men" organized by Moses Morrison and Stephen F. Austin in 1823, served as needed through the War of Independence. The Texian Army was disbanded by 1838 for lack of funds. Texas Rangers were often the only force protecting the frontiers of the new republic.