The history of the Texas Rangers goes back to the early 1800s when Stephen F. Austin brought colonists to Tejas. Austin organized ten peace officers and called them “Rangers”. The original Texas Rangers were farmers and ranchers who wore their own clothes, rode their own horses, and used whatever guns they could shoot well. They came together when there was a threat to early Texas colonists then went back to their work when it was over.
The Ranger’s fame grew during the war with Mexico, then from Indian wars during the Republic of Texas. Even today, everyone recognizes the seriousness of a situation when the Texas Rangers arrive to provide assistance. Texas Ranger stories abound, contributing to their almost mystical status.
Once there was a riot, so far out-of-control, that the Sheriff felt compelled to summon the Texas Rangers.
The sheriff telegraphed Austin. Austin telegraphed back that the Rangers were on their way. When the sheriff went to the train station to meet the Rangers, one Texas Ranger stepped off the train.
The sheriff looked around, saw no others alight from the train, and asked,
“Where are the other Texas Rangers? Did they only send one?”
To which the Texas Ranger replied:
“You got more than one riot?”
Photo credit: The Vintage News
