History of the Arizona Rangers
In 1860... The Arizona Territory was a dangerous place.
The Apache Indians ruled the land. There were only a few towns in the entire territory.
When gold and silver was discovered, it brought a flood of miners and outlaws.
Towns like Tombstone, Bisbee and Prescott sprang up.
Massacres, robbery, rustling and murder were commonplace.
Many of the towns Marshall's were outlaws too.
The territory remained lawless for the next 45 years.
Arizona wanted to join the United States in the 1890's.
Congress denied the request. Arizona was too wild and untamed.
The Governor needed help.
In 1901, he formed "The Arizona Rangers"
The Arizona Rangers were well trained, well paid and well equipped. Many were former Texas Rangers.
For the next 8 years, they hunted the most dangerous outlaws. They were very effective.
The Ranger 's cleaned up the Arizona Territory...
And Arizona became a State.
The Ranger 's had evolved into one of the most elite law enforcement agencies in the country.
For political reasons, the Rangers were disbanded in 1909.
Some of the original Ranger 's brought the organization back to life in 1957. The Rangers are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
In 2002, the State of Arizona passed a law, officially recognizing the Arizona Rangers.
We assist State, Local and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies, and select non-profits.
All Arizona Ranger 's are volunteers.
They pay for their own training and equipment.
We are busy!
It works! The Rangers save t he t axpayers m illions of dollars each year. We free up officers' t im e t o prot ect t he com m unit y, and t hem selves.
The Rangers are a "force m ult iplier " for sm aller agencies.
THE ARIZONA RANGERS SU
UPPORT
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Volunt eer Today! We support law enforcement, so they will be there when you need them. Provided by: Bill Nordbrock Public Relations Officer Arizona Rangers / Tucson Company bnordbrock@azrangers.gov