The year was 1823, and on the fifth day of the eighth month, the Father of the great state of Texas, Stephen F. Austin, called into service a corps of ten men.
These men were to act as rangers, protecting the hundreds of families that had arrived in Texas following the Mexican War of Independence.
Since that time, the Texas Rangers have evolved into one of the most elite and well-respected law enforcement agencies in the nation. They have jurisdiction in all of Texas, and have investigated crimes from murder to political corruption.
A staple in Texas history, the legacy of the agency is unlike any other.
The Texas Rangers Heritage Center in Fredericksburg honors the Texas Rangers daily with a 12-acre campus located on Hwy 290.
On August 5, 2017, they will remember those who have served and honor those still commissioned with a two-part event.
The Texas Rangers and History Symposium will feature historians and educational programs, including ranger camp set ups and cannon firing.
The symposium will feature a number of speakers, including Bill O’Neal, State Historian of Texas, Donaly Brice, retired from Texas State Library and Archives, Dr. Richard B. McCaslin, Lone Star Professor of History, UNT, Chuck Parsons, author of Capt. John R. Hughes: The Greatest Texas Ranger, Dr. Harold Weiss, Professor of History (Ret.), and Dr. James Kearney, Professor of German Studies, UT-Austin.
Following the speakers, there will be a panel discussion.
During the event, Dr. Joseph Luther PhD will be on hand to sign his newest book, The Odyssey of Texas Ranger James Callahan.
The Texas Rangers Heritage Center, which hosted its grand opening more than a year ago, is an ongoing project of the Former Texas Rangers Association (FTRA). The FTRA was formed in 1897 to preserve the history of Texas’ legendary and elite law enforcement group, the Texas Rangers.
The Lone Star Open-Air Pavilion, Campanile, and majestic bronze sculptures all serve as reminders of the men who have served the great state of Texas as a Texas Ranger. A huge Texas Ranger badge sculpture is the Soaring Memorial, dedicated to those who lost their lives in the line of duty; names of those who sacrificed everything to serve Texas are inscribed there.
The Texas Rangers Day and History Symposium will begin at 10am on August 5, and conclude at 4pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. Lunch and parking are included. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
Texas Rangers Heritage Center, 1618 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 • 830-990-1192 • [email protected]
