Rangering in Texas
Texas, unlike any other state in the Union, faced a unique and formidable challenge in managing and confronting its criminal element. Its geographical position as a border territory upon joining the United States, coupled with its vast size – equivalent to four ordinary states – and a climate conducive to year-round outdoor activity, made it an attractive haven for those seeking to evade the law. The sparse population density and slow immigration rates until the 1870s further contributed to its appeal as a sanctuary for outlaws.
The Lone Star State became a magnet for fugitives from justice fleeing the older states, drawn by the promise of anonymity and opportunity in its isolated expanses. Europe, particularly Southern Europe, also contributed to this influx, bringing with it the shadow of organized crime, including the Mafia and the tradition of vendettas. Texas, in a sense, became a microcosm of the criminal underworld, a place where every type of transgression, from petty theft to murder, found representation.
Anecdotes from the era, often delivered with a touch of humor, reveal a society where discretion was paramount. Asking a man his name, origin, or scrutinizing the brand on his horse was considered a breach of etiquette. While some of these fugitives eventually integrated into society as law-abiding citizens, many others reverted to their former criminal ways, perpetuating the cycle of lawlessness.
Alongside this influx of criminals came the determined settlers, individuals driven by the desire to build homes and establish families. Primarily migrating from other Southern states along lines of longitude, these pioneers brought with them the resilience and fortitude necessary to tame the wilderness and confront any obstacle in their path. Dealing with the criminal element became an unavoidable reality. Horse theft was rampant, cattle were driven off ranges, their brands altered to disguise their true ownership. Often, groups of neighbors would band together in posses, pursuing and confronting the marauders. Capture of a horse thief caught in possession of another’s horse was an ill-fated moment. The impromptu courts, dispensing immediate justice, showed no leniency, often resorting to the swift and unforgiving judgment of Judge Lynch, where guilt was determined and sentence passed without delay.
As Texas developed, authorities formed small companies of men known as Rangers. These organized units gradually replaced the citizen posses. Initially few in number, the Ranger companies expanded over time, eventually comprising over a dozen units deployed across the state. Despite their growing presence, the demand for their services consistently outstripped their capacity.
The Rangers were tasked with guarding a frontier stretching over 2,000 miles along the south and west. The sheer scale of the state was exemplified by a congressional district that spanned over 1,100 miles. The Rangers are credited with safeguarding the western frontier against Indian raids, ensuring the safety of lives and property. On the southern border, they confronted bandits, smugglers, and criminals of every stripe.
It took a generation before the Rangers‘ work was substantially completed. The circumstances demanded brave and resourceful men, and they rose to the occasion. While not necessarily born in Texas, these guardians of the frontier possessed expertise in firearms and were tireless riders. Many were skilled trackers, rivaling even the best hounds. They were masters of the six-shooter, an indispensable tool in the frontier. Their proficiency with firearms was unmatched.
The average criminal was no match for the Rangers‘ skills. The Rangers faced danger regularly, often being shot at close range. They admired criminals who fought with courage but disdained those who surrendered meekly. They were known to nurse wounded adversaries back to health and give cowards the opportunity to flee.
Their lives were spent in the open, often blurring the line between lawman and outlaw. Driven by a singular purpose – to rid Texas of crime – they pursued their mission with unwavering dedication. Often poorly compensated for their service, they relied on rewards and the goodwill of ranchers for sustenance.
The Rangers always had access to a fresh horse, a resource no one dared deny them. Rugged, tireless, and impervious to hardship, they protected the state’s residents and their property. The Rangers were born of necessity.
The article includes a story about Sergeant "Smoky" C—, instructing "Ramrod," a private in Company X of the Texas Rangers, to survey the landscape for signs of water. After riding all night, they were seeking shade and water, especially the latter. They had two horse thief prisoners, extra saddle stock, and three pack mules.
"Here, take my glass and throw down on that grove of timber yonder, and notice if there is any sign of animal life to be seen," said Sergeant Smoky C—, addressing "Ramrod," a private in Company X of the Texas Rangers. The sergeant and the four men had been out on special duty, and now we had halted after an all-night ride looking for shade and water, — the latter especially. We had two prisoners who were horse thieves, some extra saddle stock, and three pack mules.
The narrative unfolds with descriptions of antelope grazing near a grove, and a small man named "Cushion-foot" successfully hunting a buck for breakfast. The men then relax and share stories.
One story, told by Conajo, recounts an incident from his father’s time as a sheriff in Kentucky. A staunch political admirer, Joe Evans, would always complain about the sheriff not visiting him. When the sheriff finally visits, Joe Evans tells him that he has plenty to eat and beds, but not a drop of whiskey!
Ramrod tells a story of a battle on the head of the Arroyo Colorado, where he was wounded by a horse thief. He recounts a fierce fight where the Rangers confronted a large band of horse thieves, ultimately defeating them and recovering the stolen horses. Cushion-foot follows with a story about his brother’s encounter with revolutionists in Arizona, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the border Mexicans.
The story ends with the prisoners sleeping soundly, and the Rangers dreaming of battles fought.
The article also mentions the story of Sam Bass, a notorious outlaw who met his death at the hands of the Texas Rangers. After his death, his sister came to Texas and marked his grave. She continued to visit the grave every year after that.
This article, penned by Andy Adams in 1906 and included in his book Cattle Brands: A Collection of Western Camp-Fire Stories, provides a glimpse into the harsh realities of frontier life in Texas and the vital role played by the Texas Rangers in establishing law and order in a land teeming with both opportunity and peril.
