White Hats

White Hats

Tone
Inquisitive, Investigative, Personal
Format
Documentary
Average duration
45–60 min

A story of the Wild West, the first American superheroes, the legendary riders in white hats, Los Diablos Tejanos—the Texas Rangers. “White Hats” tells the true history of these larger-than-life rangers, who have become one of the defining symbols of the state. For many Texans, the white hats became synonymous with justice and protection. But many other Texans grew up hearing haunting memories of “los Rinches,” and the violence they visited upon Mexicans and Mexican Americans a century ago. "White Hats" explores the Rangers’ true place in Texas history.

Produced by:
Texas Monthly
Years released:
2023–2026

Episodes

  • Rangers and 'Rinches'

    November 15, 2022E143 min

    On the first episode of “White Hats,” visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco to search for how the Rangers became such enduring Texan symbols. Then drive to the Rio Grande Valley, where historian Trinidad Gonzales recalls the Rangers' role in a century-old family tragedy and discovering how his family history was part of the bigger story of Texas.