The
Texas Rangers are one of the oldest law enforcement
organizations on the North American continent.
They
originated as "rangering companies" to provide protection
against
Indians on the western frontier of Texas.
Stephen
F. Austin hired the first ten Texas Rangers in 1823
to protect the settlers in his colony.
They played an important role in the Texas War
for Independence from Mexico and
evolved into a paramilitary force that primarily
fought Indians and patrolled the Mexican border.
During
the Civil War, with thousands of Texans off fighting with
the Confederate Army,
frontier protection was afforded by a "Regiment
of Rangers."
Even it eventually became part of the Confederate
Army.
Terry's Texas Rangers became one of the
South's most revered fighting units.
