Texas Rangers

Two Hundred Years of Service

by Margaret Hoogstra

In 1823, upon requesting and receiving permission to raise a militia, Stephen F. Austin called for “ten men…to act as rangers for the common defense.” According to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, the first known patrol of these Texas rangers took place between May 5 and July 5, 1823.

From their volunteer beginnings, the Rangers were formally instituted in 1835. One hundred years later – in 1935 – the Texas Rangers became a major division within the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Today, the Rangers have lead investigative responsibility for major violent crimes, unsolved violent crimes, serial criminals, public corruption, public integrity offenses, and officer-involved shootings. They are also responsible for the state’s border security operations program and DPS tactical operations.

And this year the Texas Rangers, one of the most respected law enforcement organizations in our country, celebrate their 200th anniversary.

Recognizing the significance of this milestone, the Texas Public Safety Commission and the Texas Department of Public Safety charged the Texas Ranger Association Foundation, the Texas Department of Public Safety Foundation, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco with coordinating, promoting and commemorating the Texas Ranger Bicentennial™. As such, the staff and board members from these three non-profit organizations have joined together with numerous private individuals and businesses across the state for a year-long celebration.

One of the primary goals of this bicentennial commemoration is to raise awareness of the history and extraordinary service that has characterized the Texas Rangers since their founding, as well as to educate the public on the modern Rangers and their dedicated service to the citizens of Texas.

Texas Ranger Bicentennial™ festivities kicked off on Friday, January 13, 2023, at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo and continue to be held across the state throughout this year. Current and past Texas Rangers have been honored at the Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston Stock Show and Rodeos and an educational exhibit has been at several major events.

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is offering special programs and exhibits during this bicentennial year. Also, visitors to the Fort Worth Science and History Museum can tour the special Bicentennial Exhibit to explore the Ranger’s rich history and enduring legacy.

DON’T MISS

Texas Ranger Bicentennial For Information about bicentennial events and projects. TexasRanger2023.org

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

I-35 at University Parks Drive 100 Texas Ranger Trail Waco, TX 76706 (877) 750-8631

TexasRanger.org

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History 1600 Gendy St. Fort Worth, TX 76107 (817) 255-9300 fwmuseum.org