Why were cattle trails important to the cattle industry?
Ranchers used specific routes, known as cattle trails, to move their animals from grazing lands to market. The most famous trails of the Great Plains ran from Texas northward to Kansas cowtowns or railheads. “All over the land are vast and handsome pastures, with good grass for cattle . . .”
What are the 4 major cattle trails?
The Great Western Cattle Trail was used during the late 19th century for movement of cattle and horses to markets in eastern and northern states. It is also known as the Western Trail, Fort Griffin Trail, Dodge City Trail, Northern Trail and Texas Trail.
What were 4 cattle trails used by cattle ranchers?
In the 1800s, Texas ranchers used four major cattle trails to drive their cattle to railheads so they could be shipped to market. They were the Shawnee Trail, the Chisolm Trail, the Western Trail, and the Goodnight-Loving Trail.
What was the biggest fear of the cattle boss?
One of the greatest fears was the stampede, which could result in lost or dead cattle or cowboys.
What are the four major cattle trails in Texas?
In the 1800s, Texas ranchers used four major cattle trails to drive their cattle to railheads so they could be shipped to market. They were the Shawnee Trail, the Chisolm Trail, the Western Trail, and the Goodnight-Loving Trail. Hundreds of thousands of longhorn cattle were driven up these trails to be shipped to markets across the United States.
What was the purpose of the cattle trails?
Map of the cattle trails throughout Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas, used to travel northward to markets and shipping points. The map also includes state boundaries, major towns, bodies of water, and areas of elevation. Relief shown in hachures. No scale indicated. Loveless, A. C. & Potter, Jack 1935.
What was the most important route for cattle drives?
The Chisholm Trail was the most important route for cattle drives leading north from the vicinity of Ft. Worth, Texas, across Indian Territory (Oklahoma) to the railhead at Abilene.
Where did cattle move on the Goodnight Loving Trail?
Other major cattle trails, moving successively westward, were established. In 1867 the Goodnight-Loving Trail opened up New Mexico and Colorado to Texas cattle. By the tens of thousands cattle were soon driven into Arizona. In Texas itself cattle raising expanded rapidly as American tastes shifted from pork to beef.