Who is credited with founding the Texas Rangers?

The founding of the Texas Rangers is attributed to Stephen F. Austin, who is known as the "Father of Texas." In the early 19th century, as settlers moved into Texas, Austin recognized the need for a protective law enforcement force to safeguard colonists from various threats, including raids from Native American tribes and lawlessness. As a result, in 1835, he organized a group of men to serve as a type of frontier militia, which ultimately evolved into the Texas Rangers.

Austin's role was pivotal not only in establishing this group but also in shaping its early principles, as the Rangers would go on to become an iconic part of Texas law enforcement history. They are celebrated for their contributions to Texas' fight for independence and subsequent statehood, developing a reputation for bravery and skill that continues to diminish the distinction between myth and reality in their legendary status today.