Texas Ranger Campsite
Crosbyton, Crosby County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(One mile north) Law and order for plains area began here in 1879 with creation of Camp Roberts, first ranger station in Panhandle. Company C of the newly formed Frontier Battalion of Texas Rangers was located here and commanded by Captain G. W. Arrington, Civil War veteran, hard-fighting Ranger, later a Panhandle sheriff and rancher. Battalion commander was Maj. John B. Jones. Frontier Battalion was created to protect settlers from marauding Indians and outlaws; rowdy cowboys also needed disciplining. Captain Arrington's C Company was to have 75 men to meet these duties--he never had more than 28. A large territory and few men to cover it meant scouting parties always on the move. Living conditions on the vast, arid plains, scouting trips, encounters with violence, long watches over dangerous captives made a Ranger's life hard. Each man was self-supporting, furnishing his own saddle, ropes, guns, clothing, horse, bedding; he received small salary, ammunition and food from the state. Shooting matches provided much of his off-duty entertainment. By 1881 local Indian menace was removed; Rangers went to new frontier, 1882. Remnants of Camp Roberts today are foundations of three sod buildings around an old well used by the Rangers. 1967
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1879 the Texas Rangers established Camp Roberts near here, the first Ranger station in the Panhandle, home to Company C of the newly formed Frontier Battalion. Commanded by the hard-riding Capt. G. W. Arrington, the small force—never more than 28 men—patrolled a vast, arid territory against raiders, outlaws, and rowdy cowboys. Each Ranger supplied his own horse, guns, and gear, living a spare, mobile life until the local Indian threat faded and the company moved on in 1882.
Why it matters
The camp marks how the Texas Rangers extended law and order across the last open reaches of the West Texas frontier.
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Related people
- · G. W. Arrington
- · John B. Jones
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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