In 2010 Kensington released the fourth of our of anthologies
written by Linda Broday, Jodi Thomas, the late DeWanna Pace, and
me. Following in the theme of the other anthologies, six in all, the name of
this book is Give Me a Texas Ranger and of course sent us all
into research mode about the history of the Texas Rangers.
In 2008, Linda and I even went to the Texas Ranger Museum
and Hall of Fame in Waco, Texas. This is a picture of the Writing
the Ranger exhibit during our research.
Below is the same exhibit 2 years later. I bet you can
see the difference. This exhibit, of course, is periodically changed out so I doubt
we’re still there along with The Lone Ranger, Lonesome
Dove, and Elmer Kelton but needless to say just
seeing it there regardless of how long it was on exhibit was one of our
milestones.
Needless to say, I love tidbits of history,
particularly the legendary Texas Rangers, so it seems fittin’ to share some of
the things I’ve learned.
Since 1823, the Texas Rangers have represented the highest
ideals of Texas and America to admirers around the world. Individually, they
are some of the most colorful heroes in American history. Together, they
brought peace to an untamed frontier, and in the process became one of the most
famous and respected crime-fighting forces anywhere.
Hitler and the Texas Rangers. The
name “Rangers” is synonymous with the Texas Rangers, and never was it more
clear than during WWII. On August 19, 1942, three Commando units of the British
2nd Canadian Division landed in France. The purpose was to
create an illusion of a major invasion and force Hitler to halt troops bound
for the Russian front. However, somewhere along the line the British Commandos
became the Texas Rangers. Apparently the confusion came with leaks that a
special American combat unit, the legendary U.S. Army Rangers, who were modeled
after the successful British Commandos, had invaded. Hitler was rumored to have
watched Amerikanische westliche Filme (American westerns), and
only knew of the Texas Rangers who were depicted in American movies played in
European theaters during the 20’s and 30’s. As a result, the only American
"Rangers" known to Hitler were heroic men in white hats, who
single-handedly cleaned up entire towns with blazing guns. Ironically,
the Texas Rangers did volunteer to go to Europe but were not allowed to do so
by our military. For a short period of time, thanks to rumor, the legend of the
Texas Rangers offered hope to the residents of occupied France, two years
before the Allies successfully landed on the beaches of Normandy.
Texas Ranger uniform. Before the
1950’s there was no official uniform, although some companies tried to
administer the coordination of outfits that proved unpopular. Traditionally,
Texas Ranger clothing is conservative western attire, specifically with white
or tan hats, cowboy boots, white
The Texas Rangers and the Alamo. In answer to Col. Travis’
request for assistance in defending the Alamo, a party of Texas Rangers
responded. The Gonzales Ranging Company of Mounted Volunteers answered the
call, fought, and died alongside the other defenders of the Alamo.
In western historical romances, Texas Rangers make a
terrific hero because of the qualities they are known for. I have to admit, I
love ‘um too, although my favorites to write are crusty ol’ retired Ranger
sidekicks. In my newest contemporary romance, needless to say my hero and
heroine have a Texas Ranger connection. “Out of a Texas Night” eBook from
Kensington is due out in late summer or early fall. It’s the third in the
Kasota Springs Romance series.
Whether it’s television, movies, or books, who is your
favorite Texas Ranger? I'd love to hear from you.
