Arizona Rangers
In 1901, because of all the gambling, prostitution, cattle
rustling, copper and silver mining in the Arizona Territory, the Arizona
Rangers were formed to keep things under control. The territory was known as one of the last
Wild West places, with many outlaws and lawmen drawn to the allure the desert
had to give. The densely populated
towns, especially near the Mexico border, were inhabited with outlaws and the
territory became inundated with corruption.
The Arizona Rangers were a group of skilled horsemen,
trackers, marksmen, which consisted of a Captain, one Sergeant, and 12 Rangers. Patterned after the Texas Rangers, these accomplished
men were armed with the best horse and weapons to round up the unruly outlaws.
After 7 ½ years in operation, and after 107 men served with
the rangers, the Arizona Rangers were broken up. “On
February 15, 1909, the Arizona legislature repealed the act establishing the
Arizona Rangers. The vote to disband was vetoed by the Territorial Governor,
but was overridden by assembly because of political pressure from county
sheriffs and district attorneys in northern Arizona.”
In 1957, a group formed as a non-profit corporation was called the
Arizona Rangers. Today the Arizona
Rangers are unpaid volunteers, and work with law enforcement officials and
officers. They also offer community
service and work with the youth.
It is neat that the Arizona Rangers are still around!
ReplyDeleteWow, I never knew all this.
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