By 1901 the West was not as wild as it once was, the arms of government and law had embraced the untamed territories granting statehood and promoting progress and settlement.

While most welcomed the progress that the technology and new communications brought, there were those to whom this change was unwelcome. For these men the open rangeland, mountains and forests of Arizona were a magnet.

Rustlers, train robbers, killers and other badmen saw that there was a good chance of being able continue their way of life with a good horse, Arizona’s wide open spaces and close proximity to the Mexican border.

Since before the turn of the century businessmen, ranchers and the press had been calling for a force to combat the lawlessness that had become prevalent in Arizona and in 1901 Governor Nathan Oakes Murphy had become convinced there was a need for such a force. Together with Burt Mossman, a businessman-rancher, (later to be the first Captain of the Arizona Rangers) and Frank Cox the attorney for the Southern Pacific Railroad an outline was drawn up for the formation of a ranger organisation.

In March of 1901 the documents produced were put before the 21^st Legislative Assembly and on March 21^st the Arizona Rangers were born.

From this time until early in 1909 Arizona Rangers fought the outlaws to a standstill. Usually travelling in pairs and undercover the exploits of these men who came from all over America threw up names that are still recognised today. Amongst them Captains Burt Mossman, Tom Rynning and Harry Wheeler. Sergeants Jeff Kidder, J.T.Holmes and Billy Speed.

These and others stood against the lawbreaker and took them on their own terms. It can be argued that the granting of Arizona’s Statehood in 1912 is in no small measure to the work and exploits of these men.

That however was not the end of the Arizona Rangers as an organisation. In the 1950s they were reformed and continue today. Like their counterparts the original Arizona Rangers they uphold the law and support local police forces across the state of Arizona.

We as a group are proud to offer and represent the history of these hardworking and dedicated men and women who serve the people of Arizona today.

(For more information on the Arizona Rangers in the USA visit our links page)

Welcome to the website of The Original Arizona Rangers.

Though the group as it now stands was only formed in 2006, it now has over 40 members and between them they have years of experience in recreating the look and feel of the old west.

In addition the group offers more than one period in the history of the United States from the Colonial Period through the Indian Wars and late 19^th Century up to the early 20^th Century.

While the Original Arizona Rangers hold stand alone and independent events, they offer the opportunity to other event holders to add something different to their venue.

The group members all hold individual PLI insurance and we have a resident Health and Safety Officer, Health and Safety Policy, as well as members qualified in First Aid.

So if you are looking for something different, educational or just fun, contact us to see if we could be right for your event.

The Original Arizona Rangers is a hobby group and not a business. As such we are non-profit making and all revenue over and above running costs are donated to charity.

(for information on other re-enactment and living history groups in the United Kingdom as well as organisations here and in the USA visit our links page)