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In the defense of the South, the Lone Star State's
forte was cavalry, reflecting perhaps the cowboy and vaquero heritage
of Texas. There were more regiments of horse soldiers from Texas
than any other state; Texas' reputation for equestrian skill and
audacity became legendary.
The most famous - and perhaps the most valorous - was formed near
Houston in the summer of 1861 by Benjamin Franklin Terry, a popular
leader of Fort Bend County. Both his grandfathers had served as
officers in the American Revolutionary war. Over a thousand volunteers
responded to the call; each was required to provide their own carbine
or shotgun, a colt revolver, a bowie knife and tack. The men came
from counties across the Coastal Plains as far west as Victoria
and Gonzales, and reflected the exceptional
horsemanship of the great cattle ranches and plantations of the
era.
Although officially named the 8th Texas Cavalry Regiment, the rangers
were always known as Terry's Texas Rangers, in part to honor the
founder, who died leading the first cavalry charge after the Texans
had joined the Army of Tennessee. Terry's Texas Rangers served in
dozens of battles and raids throughout the war, first in Kentucky
near Fort Donelson, and then with exceptional distinction at the
epic battle of Shiloh, across Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and
Georgia. The list of engagements includes Perryville, Murfreesboro,
Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Atlanta and the Rangers lead the final
charge of the Army of Tennessee at Bentonville.
The majority of survivors slipped through union lines near Durham
Station, North Carolina to join other Confederates still in the
field. After the final culmination of the war at Appomattox, the
brave men of Terry's Texas Rangers returned home - having never
officially surrendered.
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