Texas Rangers on the Frontier

The Republic of Texas formally organised ranger companies in 1835, building on earlier locally raised forces. Rangers scouted, guarded settlements, pursued raiders and served in campaigns where regular military strength was limited.

Their history includes violence against Indigenous peoples and Mexican communities as well as later law-enforcement work. Organisation, authority and reputation changed repeatedly as Texas moved from republic to statehood and through Civil War and Reconstruction.

The Lonesome Dove quartet follows fictional Rangers Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call from inexperienced recruits to legendary veterans, using their careers to question the heroic mythology surrounding frontier service.