Before Texas became an independent nation and for at least fifty years after the Republic of Texas was founded, protecting the lands claimed by settlers was a significant challenge. During the early years of statehood, protecting the vast open frontier in Texas was a task given to the government’s military and Texas Rangers as well as the state’s militia. The large size of Texas created unusual problems. The Swamplands along the Sabine River at the Louisiana border and the Nueces Strip between the Rio Grande and the Nueces River along the border with Mexico were both filled with bandits and desperadoes.

Texas volunteers tasked with protecting the western frontier were recruited and organized by Benjamin McCulloch and John Ford, both veteran Texas Rangers. This volunteer flag, elegantly captures the value Texans placed on their liberty.