Texas Ranger Museum

One of the highlights of my recent trip to Waco with my daughter was visiting the Texas Ranger Museum. If you love westerns, this is the place to go. The guns alone were spectacular. I don’t own guns, nor do I like them outside of my stories, but seeing these centuries-old weapons in pristine condition was a researcher’s dream. I especially loved seeing the guns I’ve described in my stories close-up.
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Reading the stories of the early Rangers and their amazing bravery and skill made me feel like Matthew Hanger and his Horsemen would’ve felt right at home.
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The most interesting tidbit I learned was that most 19th century Rangers did not wear badges. The state did not provide them, so a Ranger would have to purchase his own. Instead, a Ranger carried his credentials in paper form – A Warrant of Authority and Descriptive List. It provided proof of his authority along with a physical description. I couldn’t help but wonder what could have happened if a Ranger’s credentials were stolen. Especially if he were killed and unable to report it. Could make for an interesting plot twist in a book someday.
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Scattered throughout the museum were a collection of small bronze statues depicting western scenes and lawmen. I loved these! I snapped pictures of three of my favorites. The first is a Texas Ranger standing proud and ready to do battle. The second made me smile. It’s titled Free Legal Advice and it shows a man on horseback stopping to jaw with a professional man in a buggy. The third is my favorite. Nothing touches my heart more than a tough man holding a baby. In this statue titles Compassion, a man in buckskin cradles an infant. It makes my mind whirl with story possibilities. And reminds me a bit of my upcoming story The Heart’s Charge, where two of my Horsemen find a newborn and have to deliver her on horseback to a foundling home several miles away.
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Me with my dangerous finger pistols posing with a hero of the west.

There were more modern displays in the museum as well, starting with Frank Hamer, the Texas Ranger who tracked down and killed Bonnie and Clyde in the 1930s, and moving into contemporary times.

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Visiting this hall of fame made me think of all the old westerns I would watch growing up. Especially shows like the Rifleman. But it also made me think of the two most famous fictional ranger heroes.
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If you had to pick one favorite fictional ranger, which would you choose?
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For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen is a firm believer in the power of happy endings. . . and ice cream. She is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at: www.karenwitemeyer.com.

33 thoughts on “Texas Ranger Museum”

  1. Walker, of course! Chuck Norris is swoon-worthy, a man of impeccable integrity,
    and the right age for many of us!

  2. Happy Anniversary! I grew up watching the Lone Ranger and I loved the more historical setting of this show, right up my alley. Comparing the two is like choosing between an apple and an orange. I love the intense detail of the modern crime investigation with Chuck Norris, also something I love. Did you know there were two actors who played the Lone Ranger? Clayton Moore was the Ranger until 1952, then John Hart took over the role. John Hart had a cleft chin and the Old Hollywood swoon worthy looks. Guess I’m sticking with John Hart as my favorite Ranger.

  3. Those bronze statues remind me of a Frederic Remington sculpture–we received a replica with a cologne purchase years ago.

    I grew up with years-old reruns of Lone Ranger. I never watched Walker–I think it may have started when I was a newlywed. I know my parents watched it. Not sure I can make a fair choice.

  4. We watch Walker Texas Ranger almost every night!! LOVE that show!! And it always has a great message behind it as well!

  5. The Lone Ranger did u know the lone ranger was based on a black Texas Ranger who’s last arrest was of his own son for killing his wife.

  6. This sounds like an interesting museum to visit. On my list now. Smile. Oh how to choose? I grew up with the Lone Ranger and Tonto. I loved how they both helped others. And I do like Walker. He has a different approach to helping others.
    quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

  7. Walker Texas Ranger!! I’ve seen all the episodes at least three times if not more.

  8. I definitely prefer The Lone Ranger. I am curious to see how Walker will be played in the new series. The character as played by Chuck Norris was a bit too pugnacious for my liking.

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