The Real Story of the Texas Rangers: Silver Stars and Six Guns

Howdy. Chip Schweiger, here. 

Welcome to another edition of Way Out West. 

The podcast that takes you on a journey through the stories of the American West, brings you the very best cowboy wisdom, and celebrates the cowboys and cowgirls—who are feeding a nation. 

In Texas, the sun hangs low, burning gold across the wide horizon. The wind stirs the mesquite and the prairie grass, whispering stories older than the fences and highways that crisscross the land today. 

Out here, where law once rode on horseback and justice wore a silver star, legends were born. The Texas Rangers — part myth, part muscle, and part mystery — have stood watch over this rugged country for nearly two centuries. 

So, today on the show, we’re peeling back the layers of legend and looking at the truth behind the Texas Rangers.

From their humble beginnings on the frontier, to their rise as symbols of justice, to the darker chapters that still spark debate, and finally to the modern Rangers—an elite force with global respect—this is the story of how the silver cinco peso star came to shine so bright.

It’s not all gunfights and glory. It’s a tale of grit, controversy, courage, and change. So saddle up, because this is The Real Story of the Texas Rangers.

After the episode, check out the show notes at WayOutWestPod.com/Texas-rangers

Hi there and welcome back.

Today we’re gonna saddle up and dig into one of the most legendary, controversial, and complicated outfits in American history — the Texas Rangers.

Now, when you hear “Texas Rangers,” maybe you picture cowboys in white hats riding across the prairie chasing outlaws. Or maybe you think about that old TV show, Walker, Texas Ranger. 

But the truth is, the real story of the Texas Rangers is a lot bigger than the legend. It’s full of grit, glory, and some shadows too.

So let’s talk about the real story of the Rangers — the men who helped shape Texas, for better and sometimes for worse.

Chapter 1: Born Out of Necessity

The Rangers weren’t created in some official government office with polished uniforms and shiny badges. Nope. They were born out of necessity, long before Texas was even a state.

Back in 1823, Stephen F. Austin — the “Father of Texas” — called for a small group of men to defend settlers against raids from hostile groups and to provide some kind of frontier law and order. These weren’t soldiers. They were farmers and ranchers who picked up their rifles and answered the call.

In fact, Austin didn’t even call them Rangers at first — he just asked for men to “range” the frontier. That name stuck. And so began one of the oldest law enforcement organizations in North America.

They weren’t paid much — often nothing at all. They provided their own horses, their own weapons, and their own gear. 

Imagine signing up for that job: “Hey, bring your own horse, bring your own rifle, and good luck.”

But these early Rangers were tough. They had to be. They fought in skirmishes with Native American tribes, tangled with bandits, and tried to bring some kind of order to a wild land.

Chapter 2: Legends Forged in Fire

As Texas grew, so did the legend of the Rangers.

In the 1830s and 40s, they gained fame during the Texas Revolution and later in the Mexican-American War. They weren’t regular army troops, but their skills as scouts and fighters made them invaluable.

One Mexican officer supposedly said, “With a handful of Rangers, one can whip a whole regiment.” Whether that’s exaggeration or not, it shows the kind of reputation they carried. A reputation that earned them the nickname “Los Diablos Tejanos" which translates to "The Texas Devils" in Spanish

The Rangers became famous for their marksmanship, their horsemanship, and their sheer grit. They used six-shooters and repeating rifles in ways that gave them an edge over their enemies.

And they weren’t just lawmen — they were symbols. The idea of the lone Ranger, standing for justice in a lawless land, started here. 

That myth still lingers in American culture today.

Chapter 3: The Dark Side of the Badge

But here’s where the story gets complicated — and where the legend of the Rangers doesn’t always match the reality.

The Texas Rangers, for all their bravery and grit, also carry a history filled with controversy. And to tell the real story, we’ve got to face those shadows too.

In the mid-19th century, the Rangers were heavily involved in violent campaigns against Native American tribes, especially the Comanche. Now, on one hand, settlers saw this as protection. But on the other, it was part of the larger, tragic story of displacement and destruction of native peoples. The Rangers’ tactics were brutal, and entire villages sometimes suffered.

Then came the Mexican-American borderlands. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, as tensions rose along the Rio Grande, Rangers were sent in to “restore order.” But order often came with blood. During the Bandit Wars of 1910 to 1920, when cross-border raids were common, Rangers were accused of extrajudicial killings, lynchings, and mass executions of Mexican and Tejano men.

Historians estimate that hundreds — perhaps even thousands — of Mexican Americans were killed during this period, some guilty of crimes, but many entirely innocent. 

One of the darkest episodes was the Porvenir Massacre of 1918, where Rangers executed fifteen unarmed men and boys in a remote West Texas village. The men were never tried, never charged — just gunned down.

This left a deep scar in Mexican American communities, one that still echoes today. For generations, the Ranger badge was seen not as a symbol of justice, but as one of fear.

Even into the 20th century, controversies continued. The Rangers were often called in during labor disputes, and — more often than not — they sided with big landowners and business interests. Strikes were broken up with intimidation and violence, not negotiation.

So yes, the Rangers helped build Texas. But they also carried out acts that left lasting wounds. And that’s what makes their story so complex. They were both protectors and oppressors — sometimes heroes, sometimes feared enforcers of the status quo.

Chapter 4: From Outlaws to Oil Fields

As the frontier closed and Texas modernized, the Rangers had to evolve. By the early 1900s, they weren’t chasing Comanches across the plains anymore — they were tracking bank robbers, bootleggers, and oil field bandits.

They became famous for going after notorious outlaws like Bonnie and Clyde in the 1930s. It was actually a retired Ranger, Frank Hamer, who helped track down the infamous duo and end their spree.

Stories like that cemented the Rangers’ image as tough, no-nonsense lawmen who always got their man.

Chapter 5: The Modern Rangers

Now, let’s fast-forward to the present. Because the Texas Rangers aren’t just figures from dusty history books. 

They’re still out there, still wearing the cinco peso badge, and still carrying the weight of that long, complicated legacy.

But today’s Rangers are a world apart from the rough-riding frontiersmen of the 1800s. They’re a highly trained, professional investigative division of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Think less about chasing cattle thieves on horseback and more about tackling the toughest cases—murders, public corruption, organized crime, cybercrime, and cold cases that have stumped everyone else.

There are only around 160 Rangers in total, spread across all 254 counties in Texas. It’s one of the most selective law enforcement groups in the country—you don’t just apply to be a Ranger. 

You earn it through years of service, spotless performance, and a reputation for integrity.

For many in Texas law enforcement, wearing that silver star badge is the pinnacle of a career. And once you’re in, you’re part of a proud organization. 

Here’s a fun fact: The modern Ranger badge is made from a Mexican silver cinco peso, and that’s a really cool nod to their roots. The mystique of the blended culture of Texas and Mexico is still there. 

Being a Texas Ranger today is one of the most respected law enforcement positions you can hold. In fact, so respected are Texas Rangers that many times a suspect will only talk to a Ranger, knowing they’ll get a fair shake. 

That’s respect.

 Chapter 6: The Rangers Today – A Modern Force

And just as the work has evolved, so too has the face of the Rangers. For much of their history, the Rangers were overwhelmingly white and male. That’s changing.

The first African American Ranger was appointed in the late 1980s, and the first woman joined the ranks in the early 1990s. 

Today, there are Black rangers, Native American rangers, plenty of Hispanic rangers, despite the complicated history on the border, and yes, female rangers.

One of the most inspiring modern Ranger stories, I think, belongs to Wende Wakeman. She joined the Rangers in 2008 and steadily climbed the ranks. In 2014, she became the first female lieutenant in Ranger history. Six years later, she broke another barrier, promoted to captain, alongside Melba Saenz. And in 2023, Wakeman became the first female major in the Texas Rangers, commanding Company F out of Waco.

Her rise represents more than just personal achievement—it’s a sign of the Rangers adapting to the times. Diversity in the ranks is still a bit of a work in progress, but today, women and minorities are stepping into leadership roles that would’ve been unimaginable just a few decades ago. I don’t think Major Wakeman would look at herself as a trailblazer, but she, and Ranger Saenz, and others surely are.

And while the history of the Rangers includes some dark chapters, their reputation today is one of esteem and respect. Around the world, the Texas Rangers are recognized as one of the most effective law enforcement agencies—combining the old-school mystique of the frontier with modern investigative excellence.

The hat, the boots, the badge—they’re still symbols of Texas. But behind those symbols is a force of men and women armed with forensic science, advanced training, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

So yes, the Texas Rangers have come a long way—from frontier scouts to a modern investigative powerhouse. 

Their story is still being written, and their legacy continues to evolve.

Chapter 7: The Burson Brothers – First Brothers to Serve Together in Modern Ranger History

Now, we’ve talked about the past, and we’ve talked about the changing face of the Rangers today. But let me share a more personal story—one that shows how this legacy isn’t just about history books or legends, it’s about families.

Every once in a while, the Ranger tradition passes down through generations, almost like a calling. And in 2014, something happened that had never been seen before in the modern era. For the first time, two brothers—Jake and Josh Burson—both pinned on the silver star at the same time, making history together as Texas Rangers. 

Their story has all the good stuff: legacy, grit, long ambition, and a little sibling rivalry.

They grew up in the shadow of law enforcement—their father, James Burson, was a Texas state trooper and later an assistant chief of police in McGregor, Texas. From the playground up, they were drawn to the uniform. Jake went through the academy first, then Josh followed, each pinning on their badge at graduation—and yes, their father did the honors. 

Both started in the Highway Patrol, then moved into the Criminal Investigations Division, and only when the rare Ranger spots opened up—because, let’s be honest, these positions pop up only when a vet retires—they each earned their way into the Rangers. Jake made the cut in 2010, and Josh followed in 2014.

Jake headed to Waco, and Josh landed in Lubbock, each riding for justice in different corners of the Lone Star State. 

One more fun bit: the Texas House of Representatives officially recognized their achievement in a resolution, noting not only that they were the first modern-era brothers to serve together, but that the only time brothers had served simultaneously before was back in the early 20th century—with legendary Ranger Frank Hamer and his brothers. 

The Bursons’ achievement reminds us that the Ranger legacy isn’t just about the past—it’s alive, passed down, and carried forward by real families, one silver star at a time.

And stories like theirs remind us that while the Texas Rangers are steeped in history, they’re also very much a living, breathing part of Texas today. 

Which brings us full circle—back to the bigger picture of what the Rangers mean, both in legend and in truth.

Chapter 8: The Legacy of the Texas Rangers

So what’s the real story of the Texas Rangers?

It’s a story of contradictions. They were protectors and sometimes oppressors. Heroes and, in some eyes, villains. They helped shape Texas identity, and their legend still looms large over American culture.

When you boil it down, the Rangers reflect the story of Texas itself — bold, complicated, and never simple.

The motto of the Rangers is “One Riot, One Ranger.” That line sums up the myth perfectly. One man, standing alone, ready to face whatever comes. Now in truth, it wasn’t always that simple — but the spirit behind it is what keeps the legend alive.

So next time you see that cinco peso star or hear the name Texas Rangers, remember: it’s not just a Hollywood story. It’s flesh and blood history, full of triumphs, tragedies, and everything in between.

Well, before we finish up for this week, we’ve got one more thing.

Chapter 9: Buster the Bull & Cowboy Glossary Term of the Week

Yep, that distinctive call from Buster the Bull means it’s time for the cowboy glossary term of the week. And this week’s term is Company.

In Ranger lingo, a “company” isn’t a business — it’s a unit of Rangers assigned to a region of Texas.

The modern Rangers are divided into six companies, each responsible for a large part of the state. For example, Company A is based in Houston, while Company F is headquartered in Waco. Each company is led by a captain or major, with Rangers spread out across the counties in their region.

Back in frontier days, a “company” might’ve been just a handful of men with rifles, ranging the brush for trouble. Today, it’s a modern investigative team, carrying forward that old tradition under the same name.

Chapter 10: Thanks for Listening

And with that, we close the chapter on another tale from Way Out West. Thanks for riding along with me today. If you enjoyed the show, share it with a friend, leave a review, and come back again for more stories of the American West, and the men and women who shaped it. 

Until next time —This is Chip Schweiger reminding you to keep your boots dusty and your hat tipped low. 

We’ll see y’all down the road.