Texas Ranger Museum
After the Revolution, "Texians" (as they were called) were more reliant on the Rangers than ever.
The "Ranging men" organized by Moses Morrison and Stephen F. Austin in 1823, served as needed through the War of Independence.
However, the end of the war brought an empty Texas treasury and the Texian Army was disbanded by 1838.
Texas Rangers were often the only force protecting the frontiers of the new republic.
Ranger companies were called by various names: mounted volunteers, mounted gunmen, mounted riflemen, spies and minutemen.
Although the names varied, these militia units were similar and performed the same function.
These militiamen furnished their own equipment and subsistence.
Their mission was to range the frontier, protecting settlers from indian raids and lawlessness.
Periods of service varied from a few days to several months, pay was poor and often consisted of promissory notes and next-to-worthless Republic of Texas paper money.