The “Ranger Ideal” is alive and well in the 21st century. Preserving Texas Ranger history, and honoring distinguished Rangers is what the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is all about.
The Ranger Ideal
The Texas Ranger is one of the most cherished symbols of the Lone Star State, a positive and enduring icon of Texas and America. Many families take immense pride in having a relative who was, or is, a Texas Ranger. Past and present ranks include Texans of Hispanic, Anglo-European, African, American Indian and Asian ancestry.
We who serve at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum find our mission a source of inspiration. It is an opportunity to live daily with what I like to call the “Ranger Ideal.”
At its core, the Ranger Ideal is respect for what our conscience tells us is right, a dedication to the common good above self, and the belief that an individual “in the right” can succeed in the face of overwhelming odds. The words that go with this conviction are inspiring — honor, self-sacrifice, perseverance, dedication, valor, duty and humility.
Most 19th century Texas Rangers lived this ideal. They protected their neighbors from harm, captured criminals and staved off invasions. Few were paid regularly, if at all. Some Rangers died with glory at the Alamo while others were wounded or died in anonymity at now forgotten places. Many of their names and deeds have been lost to history, but Texas is their legacy. It would not exist without their sacrifice.
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Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum website.
