Texas Rangers

MikeyB

Sergeant
Joined
Sep 13, 2018
What was the state of the Texas rangers on the eve of Fort Sumter? Were they numerous and well equipped enough to challenge Federal authority and capture installations? Did whole units of the Texas Rangers enlist together in the CSA? Were there any Unionists?
 
The Rangers were disbanded after the Mexican War, although small groups were reactivated on occasion to deal with Indian incursions. In 1857 the State funded a more permanent Ranger company of about 100 men under John Salmon (RIP) Ford to control Indian raids and to aid the U.S. Army in it's campaign against Juan Cortina's guerrillas in South Texas. In 1860 the Rangers were dissolved and not reinstated as a state police force until 1874. Many former rangers enlisted in the Confederacy but not as entire units. "Terry's Texas Rangers," the Eighth Texas Cavalry, simply adopted the prestigious name, although it did include a few former rangers. During the war Indian depredations became such a problem that Texas organized the Frontier Regiment to replace the U.S. Army on the frontier. These men were considered to be Rangers and are listed as such on current Texas Ranger rosters. And yes, among them were Unionists who were willing to protect their homes from Indians but less than enthusiastic about fighting against Union troops. Several of my German Texan ancestors were among them.
 
The Rangers were disbanded after the Mexican War, although small groups were reactivated on occasion to deal with Indian incursions. In 1857 the State funded a more permanent Ranger company of about 100 men under John Salmon (RIP) Ford to control Indian raids and to aid the U.S. Army in it's campaign against Juan Cortina's guerrillas in South Texas. In 1860 the Rangers were dissolved and not reinstated as a state police force until 1874. Many former rangers enlisted in the Confederacy but not as entire units. "Terry's Texas Rangers," the Eighth Texas Cavalry, simply adopted the prestigious name, although it did include a few former rangers. During the war Indian depredations became such a problem that Texas organized the Frontier Regiment to replace the U.S. Army on the frontier. These men were considered to be Rangers and are listed as such on current Texas Ranger rosters. And yes, among them were Unionists who were willing to protect their homes from Indians but less than enthusiastic about fighting against Union troops. Several of my German Texan ancestors were among them.

Great post! Thank you
 
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