TEXAS RANGER TIMELINE

The following is a timeline of memorable dates in the history of Texas and the Texas Rangers. Please click titles bellow to go to individual pages with detailed information for each time period.

n

• The Ranging Tradition (1821-1836) - Mexican Independence to the Texas Revolution.
  
  
• Defending the Frontier (1837-1870) - From the Republic of Texas through the Civil War and readmission to the Union.
  
  
• Enforcing the Law (1874-1900) - Creation of the Frontier Battalion to the beginning of a new century.
  
  
• Order Out of Chaos (1901-1934) - In 1901, the Texas legislature reorganized the Texas Rangers into four Ranger companies. Their mission was to " protect the frontier against marauding or thieving parties and the suppression of lawlessness and crime throughout the state." This was an era of oil discoveries, Prohibition and the rise of motorized gangsters..
  
  
• Special Investigations (1935-2009) - In August, 1935- The Department of Public Safety begins operation with Tom Hickman commissioned as Senior Ranger Captain. Capt. Hickman will later serve as a member of the Public Safety Commission. 2000-01 began the third century in which the Texas Rangers will serve begins with the Rangers at an authorized strength of 107.