The history of the Texas Rangers can be traced back to Mexico winning its independence from Spain in 1821, as described on Britannica, and the messy relationship between the fledgling Republic of Mexico, the Americans it encouraged to settle in its northern territory of Texas (Texians), people of mixed Native American and Mexican ancestry (Tejanos), and Native Americans like the Apache. Ultimately, Texas broke away from Mexico, and the War of Texas Independence resulted in the founding of the Republic of Texas in 1836, which lasted until 1845, when Texas joined the United States. It was during this time of rough-and-tumble survivalism that the Texas Rangers were formed in 1836, as recounted by the Bullock Museum.
Armed in hardcore fashion with a rifle, a pistol, a knife, a blanket under their saddles, salt, ammunition, and enough tobacco to last a month, the Rangers roved independently, on dispatch from Texas empresario Stephen F. Austin. Originally, their role was to combat "errant thieves united with Indians" and essentially fill the gap in the region's law enforcement. Austin himself paid for the original 10 Rangers out of pocket, and after that they were comprised of volunteers who patrolled the Texas plains for a bit before returning to their original lives.
According to History, numerous famed Rangers have risen to prominence, including Ben McCulloch, friend of the actual Davy Crockett, and John B. Armstrong, who captured famed murderer and gunslinger John Wesley Hardin.
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