The Cattle Industry Flashcards
Who brought cattle to America?
European invaders
Why was there a need for cattle drives?
To sell the cattle to where there was a demand (e.g the markets in the eastern states)
What were the problems cattle drivers faced?
They would be turned back by homesteaders. Their cattle in Texas carried a disease called Texas fever which killed other cattle and so prevented them from progressing.
Who was the man that offered a temporary solution?
Charles goodnight.
What was the goodnight loving trail?
It was a trail found by Charles goodnight and Oliver loving that led to New Mexico. In New Mexico, there was the American army and Indian reservations, so there was a high demand for beef.
Why was the goodnight loving trail not a permanent solution?
The main market was still in the East.
What was the permanent solution?
To go along the new railroads, as these were far enough away from the homesteaders land.
Who created the cow towns?
Joseph McCoy
What was the purpose of the cow towns?
It was a place that cattle could be driven to to then be shipped East. There were huge profits to be made; a cow in Texas would be worth $5, but a cow in Abilene would be with 10x that
What caused cattlemen to first start ranching?
Homesteaders blocked their path, so it was easier to just move onto the plains. An example would be John Illif.
What allowed unfenced ranching to be so successful?
- The Indians had been refined to their reservations.
- The buffalo had been slaughtered by the hunters
- The ticks that caused Texan fever died on the plains because of the winter.
- railroad crossing the plain were able to take the cattle.
Why did the open range develop to smaller ranges?
The drought of 1883 killed off all the grass so there wasn’t as much food. The demand for beef in the east fell. The final blow was the winter of 1886-1887 when thousands of cattle died in the from the icy conditions.
What were smaller ranches like?
They were fenced off by barbed wire and Cowboys were responsible for maintaining them and keeping the cattle safe. Water pumps were added in and fewer but better animals were kept.
