The Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers. The words evoke exciting images of daring, courage, high adventure. The Rangers began as a handful of men protecting their homes from savage raiding parties; now in their third century of existence, they are a highly sophisticated crime-fighting organization. Yet at times even today the Texas Ranger mounts his horse to track fugitives through dense chaparral, depending on his wits more than technology. The iconic image of the Texas Ranger is of a man who is tall, unflinching, and dedicated to doing a difficult job no matter what the odds. The Rangers of the 21st century are different sizes, colors, and genders, but remain as vital and real today as when they were created in the horseback days of 1823, when what is today Texas was part of Mexico, a wild and untamed land.

Chuck Parsons has authored numerous books dealing with Texas Rangers as well as the fugitives they hunted. He has herein gathered nearly 200 images, some familiar and some rarely seen, from the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, the Former Texas Ranger Association, and from individuals. This is Parsons's second Images of America book.