An Explosive Tactic

Texas Ranger Ira Aten tried a controversial plan to lessen crime.

Ira Aten was a lawman in the 1880s, serving as a Texas Ranger. He became involved in the Fence Cutting War, which came about because ranchers were fencing off the open range, thus limiting grazing land for smaller operations. In retaliation, the small ranchers cut the fences to allow their cows through. Aten was assigned to do something about it. He planted dynamite charges on certain fence lines; when they were cut, the dynamite exploded. State officials ordered Aten to stop the practice, but it apparently limited the number of fences cut.