East Texas Troubles: The Allred Rangers Cleanup of San Augustine

A captivating Texas Talk on the Texas Rangers, who celebrate their 200th year as a law enforcement agency. From their creation in 1823 by Stephen F Austin to the present day, the Rangers have played a vital role in Texas history. This session will highlight the transformation of the Rangers under Governor James Allred and the fascinating story of their alliance with black residents of the Jim Crow South. Featuring Dr. Jody Ginn, Director of Development for the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum, this talk explores the dark era of a corrupt Ranger regime in East Texas and Governor Allred's successful reform efforts. Dr. Jody Ginn’s latest book, East Texas Troubles: The Allred Rangers Cleanup of San Augustine, chronicles the circumstances surrounding the origins of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). In this story of a rural Texas community’s resurrection, Ginn reveals a multifaceted history of the reform of the Texas Rangers and of an unexpected alliance between the legendary frontier lawmen and black residents of the Jim Crow South. An established and respected Texas historian, Dr. Ginn has authored numerous publications on various topics, including The Texas Rangers, American Indians, and Palmito Ranch. Dr. Ginn’s personal connections to the Texas Rangers date back almost two centuries, when his Austin colonist Texas ancestors served as "Home Guard” Rangers during the Civil War. However, it was his research into the career of his great-grand uncle, Dan Hines – one of the first DPS Texas Rangers – that drew him into the world of professional Texas Rangers’ history. In addition, Ginn has been an expert commentator for numerous online podcasts, and for national and international print media outlets. Notably, he worked as a publicity consultant and on-screen expert commentator on the 2019 blockbuster Netflix Film, The Highwaymen, starring Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson and Kathy Bates.