In 1882, Edmund Dana wrote a brief biography of one of the most famous Texas Rangers: Samuel Hamilton Walker. Though born in Maryland, Walker set out south in his late teens. He became an Indian fighter and scout in both Alabama and Florida before heading to Texas in 1842. He was immediately involved in the ongoing conflict with Mexico. Captured during a battle in Meir, he spent the next two years as a captive in Mexico. It is unsurprising that he eagerly joined General Taylor at the Rio Grande in 1846. His exploits won him national fame. After the capture of Monterrey, he went east to recruit soldiers in Maryland. He returned in time to join General Winfield Scott's march into Mexico. After Mexico City was captured, Walker and his men ranged near and around Perote, hunting for guerillas and protecting supply wagons. In October of 1847, he joined General Lane's brigade as it marched to relieve a siege at Puebla. On the way, they learned of Santa Anna's forces in Huamantla. As was his custom, Walker charged in the vanguard but was taken down by a sniper's bullet.
The biography is extremely brief and fails to mention Walker's meeting with Sam Colt to help design what came to be the Walker Colt, a monster of a gun. It was nearly five pounds, over a foot long, and fired a .44 caliber ball. This has been the official handgun of Texas since 2021. Doubtless, Chuck Norris' Ranger Cordell Walker drew inspiration from Sam Walker.
Too short but still entertaining and educational.
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