Region: Panhandle Plains
A city surrounded by its history, Ranger began as a Texas Ranger Camp in the
mid-1870s. Nestled in a green valley, the rural farming community exploded into
activity in October 1917 when a gusher, the McClesky No. 1, blew oil so high in
the air it could be seen for miles. It has been called one of the greatest booms
in the history of the petroleum industry. The timely event happened just as the
need for oil skyrocketed with the onset of World War I. The promise of instant
riches brought in tens of thousands looking to make their fortune and in one
year's time, Ranger's population grew from 1,000 to 30,000. Small farmers found
themselves richer than they ever imagined. The boom was short lived. Ranger is
now a quiet, country community, home to Ranger College and the annual Roaring
Ranger Rodeo, beginning its 60th decade; and it has an RV park for visitors and
travelers.
Nearby Cities: Caddo, Moran, Cisco, Fort Griffin, Eastland, Throckmorton, more...