Sierra Vista Company

Gambling, Prostitution, Copper and Silver Mining, Cattle Rustling. . .  the Territory of Arizona was the last of the Wild West:
Along came
The Arizona Rangers!

In 1901, as the Territory of Arizona sought to join the United States, it was overwhelmed with crime, and under constant siege from raiders crossing its southern border from Mexico and its eastern border from the Territory of New Mexico. Considered to be the last of the "Wild West," this territory held great allure for rugged men; good or bad.

That year, patterning an organization after the vaunted Texas Rangers, the Arizona Territorial governor created the Arizona Rangers - giving them the job of cleaning up the territory. Fortunately, Governor Murphy had a friend, Burt Mossman, who was perfect for the task. Under Mossman, the Arizona Rangers, authorized a total strength of 14 men; one Captain, one Sergeant, and 12 Rangers, assumed a nearly impossible task. Their job? To clean up a lawless territory consisting of 114,06 square miles. With over 8,000 square miles each, they set about their work. No sweat!

Mossman recruited many former Texas Rangers and returning soldier's from Roosevelt's "Rough Riders," noted for their famous charge up San Juan Hill, during the Spanish-American War.

Two other Captains, Tom Rynning and Harry Wheeler, took their turns commanding this rugged organization. Hundreds of great stories about the Arizona Rangers are a matter of history. Some of them will be added to this site as time goes by.

Though they later were authorized a total of 26 men, still undermanned, they did their job brilliantly. In a scant seven years and a few months, the territory was safe. The rugged Arizona Rangers rode hard, fought hard and partied hard. They arrested many, shot a few, and caused many more to change their ways or seek greener pastures.

On February 14, 1912 Arizona became the 48th state to join the United States of America.

1957...
The Arizona Rangers
Ride Again!

With the help of some community-minded citizens, seven surviving Territorial Arizona Rangers formed a non-profit corporation, called the Arizona Rangers. Chartered to preserve the history and traditions of the Territory's heroes, to provide community support, to support our youth - and, to provide support to local law enforcement agencies - the modern Arizona Rangers continue to evolve. The Arizona Rangers will always be able to serve the needs of Arizona's citizens.

   The Arizona Rangers:

"Few But Proud,  Then And Now."