In 1848, long before the Arizona Rangers were formed, the gold rush fueled the largest migration in American history.
Pioneers moved west into a vast, uninhabited land. Mining towns like Tombstone, Bisbee and Prescott would not appear until decades later.
Native Indians from multiple tribes ruled this land.
They did not invite or welcome these strangers, and they fought to preserve their way of life.
The United States Congress created the Arizona Territory in February of 1863.
The Arizona Territory remained lawless for the next 40 years, while the rest of the country joined the Union and became civilized.
With no state or federal law enforcement, the Arizona Territory was the last of the badlands, the last safe haven for hardened criminals.
Outlaws from all over the country migrated to the Arizona Territory. Massacres, robbery, rustling and murder were commonplace.
Many of the town Marshals were outlaws too.
for Release
In the 1890's, the Territorial Governor petitioned the USCongress to allow the Arizona Territory to join the United States.
Congress denied the request. There was simply too much crime and corruption. The Governor needed to clean up the Territory. This would be no easy task.
The Arizona Rangers were formed in 1901 to rid the territory of crime and corruption.
Many were former Texas Rangers or Roosevelt's Rough Riders. They were well trained, paid and equipped.
Governor Nathan O. Murphy gave the Rangers extra power and protection, creating laws specifically designed to help them do their jobs.
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Normally
punishable by death, the Rangers were permitted to steal a horse if needed.
The Rangers were Arizona's first law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the entire Territory.
For the next 8 years, the Rangers hunted the most dangerous outlaws, in one of the most dangerous areas in the country.
They were very effective!
By 1908, most of the outlaws were either apprehended, killed or had fled into Mexico. No longer needed, the Rangers were disbanded.
"Partisan politics, not ruthlessoutlaw gangs, brought about thedemiseof theRangersthefollowingyear. On February15, 1909, theRangerswere disbanded".
Arizona became the 48th State.
Forever etching the Rangers as an important part of Arizona's history.
In 1957, four of the original Arizona Rangers reformed the organization, to honor and preserve the rich history of the original Arizona Rangers. These modern day Arizona Rangers still exist today, and they trace their origins back to the original Arizona Rangers of 1901.
Some people link the Arizona Rangers' origins to similar sounding "militia" groups like the Territorial Rangers, which were created between 1860-1862.
When you consider the facts, you will see there is no connection between the Ranger Militia groups of 1860-1862 and the modern day Arizona Rangers.
Let 's t ake a look...
In 1860-1862:
The Arizona Territory did not even exist when the "Ranger" militia groups were formed in 1860-1862. It was known as the "New Mexico Territory".
The "Ranger" groups formed between 1860-1862 were created by a self-proclaimed Provisional Governor of the self-proclaimed Provisional Territory of Arizona. Neither he, nor his territory was ever recognized by the United States.
Provisional Governor Lew is S. Ow ings
- in March 1861, the provisional Arizona territory seceded from the Union and joined the Confederate States of America.
- From their perspective, the Provisional Arizona Territory and the militia Rangers were part of an independent, sovereign nation and they were at war with the United States.
The militia Ranger groups of 1860 - 1862 no longer existed when the Arizona Territory was created in 1863.
- These militia Ranger groups existed before the Arizona Territory was created.
- They did not serve in the Arizona Territory.
- These militia Ranger groups were not formed by a Territorial Governor.
- They were not legally authorized to operate in the United States.
- In fact, for most of their existence, the militia Rangers swore allegiance to a foreign country and were at war with the United States.
Be sure to read our upcoming release examining the facts surrounding the Morenci Mine Strike in 1903. This was a dark day in Ranger history.
