The Day The Last Texas Ranger Died

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The Texas Rangers are among the world’s most legendary law enforcement agencies and North America’s oldest state law enforcement agency.

The Rangers have inspired scores of books, movies, radio, and television.

Their roots date to frontier Texas. In 1823, Stephen F. Austin, known as the Father of Texas, founded a group of ten men to protect new settlers.

**Texas Rangers at the El Paso County Courthouse 1896**

They are deeply embedded in Texas lore. As former Ranger Capt. Bob Crowder once said, “A Ranger is an officer who can handle any situation without definite instructions from his commanding officer or higher authority. This ability must be proven before a man becomes a Ranger.”

Frank Hammer, a veteran Ranger captain, was recruited to hunt down Bonnie and Clyde in 1934 after he had left the Rangers.

Hammer and his posse ambushed the couple, riddling them with more than 130 rounds.

Modern-day Rangers assist local law enforcement in investigating murders and other crimes. They also investigate organized criminal activities and protect the Governor of Texas.

Texas Rangers typically wear western attire, including a white cowboy hat, a white shirt and tie, a “ranger belt”, a gun belt, and cowboy boots.

Texas Rangers’ badges are cut from Mexican five-peso coins.

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum located in Waco, Texas, estimates that fewer than 1%of the individuals who have served as Texas Ranger were killed or died in the line of duty.