Before Texas became a state in the United States of America, what would become the first state law enforcement agency would be formed. For about 150 years, this group of law enforcement agents has been viewed as both heroes and villains. Often portrayed in the movies and on TV as the kind of men who stick up for justice or who are the victims of truly sinister bad guys, the reality was far less black and white. Founded by Stephen F. Austin in 1823, the Texas Rangers began as a group of volunteers who patrolled the borders and towns in the Mexican territory. Serving as both protectors of the settlers and police against criminals within the settlement, the Rangers had a wide range of skills. When they first started, they were simply ten men, but it grew quickly as more men volunteered. Over time, the number of American settlers who moved into Texas would outnumber the number of Mexicans. Following some changes in the way Mexico would govern states and settlements, Texans decided that they were living under a tyranny instead of a government like they were accustomed to in the US. In , you will discover topics such as