A Texas Legend . . . and an American Heritage
In 1964 the State of Texas, City of Waco and private benefactors partnered to collect and preserve the history and heritage of the legendary Texas Rangers for future generations.
In 1968 a small museum dedicated to the Texas Rangers opened on the banks of the Brazos River through the efforts of the State of Texas/Texas Department of Public Safety, City of Waco and Waco Chamber of Commerce. Today, it has grown into an historical center operated as a department of the City of Waco and has welcomed more than 4.5 million visitors from around the world.
Our Mission
To collect, preserve and disseminate knowledge of the Texas Rangers, a legendary symbol of Texas and the American West; to permanently document the service of Texas Rangers past and present.
A Nonprofit for the People of Texas
The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is a 170(c) governmental nonprofit operated by the City of Waco under authorizations from the State of Texas. A statewide board of citizens and active & retired Texas Rangers advises the staff, City of Waco and the Texas Department of Public Safety on operations and programs.
Recognitions
- “Homer Garrison, Jr. Texas Ranger Museum” authorized by the Texas Public Safety Commission and Texas Department of Public Safety (Texas Ranger Museum papers, April 3, 1964).
- “Official Texas Ranger Museum” (incorporated in 61st Texas Legislature Senate Resolution No. 653, 1969).
- “Hall of Fame of the Texas Rangers” a memorial established by the State appointed Texas Rangers Commemorative Commission (62nd Texas Legislature Senate Bill 709, 1971; papers of the State Texas Ranger Commemorative Commission 1972-73).
- “Official State Repository of Texas Ranger Memorabilia” (75th Texas Legislature, House Concurrent Resolution 55, 1997).
1968 Groundbreaking of the future Texas Ranger Museum