Cattle Drives

Definition

Cattle drives were the large-scale movement of herds of cattle from the ranches where they were raised to the markets or railroads where they could be sold. These drives were a critical part of the American West's economy and culture during the late 19th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cattle drives typically originated in Texas and moved northward to railheads in Kansas, Nebraska, and other states, where the cattle could be transported to eastern markets.
2. The most famous cattle drives occurred along the Chisholm Trail, which ran from Texas to Kansas and was used to transport millions of cattle during the late 1800s.
3. Cattle drives required a large crew of cowboys, who were responsible for herding, guarding, and caring for the cattle during the long, arduous journeys.
4. The development of barbed wire fencing and the expansion of the railroad network gradually made cattle drives less necessary, leading to their decline in the late 19th century.
5. Cattle drives played a significant role in shaping the culture and mythology of the American West, with cowboys becoming iconic figures in American folklore.

Review Questions

• Explain the economic importance of cattle drives in the American West during the late 19th century.
  • Cattle drives were essential to the economy of the American West during the late 19th century. They provided a means of transporting large herds of cattle from the ranches where they were raised to the markets and railheads where they could be sold. This allowed ranchers to access lucrative eastern markets and fueled the growth of the beef industry, which was a major driver of economic activity in the region. The success of cattle drives was crucial to the development of the American West and the prosperity of its residents.
• Describe the role of cowboys in the cattle drive process and how their work contributed to the culture of the American West.
  • Cowboys played a vital role in the success of cattle drives, responsible for herding, guarding, and caring for the cattle during the long, arduous journeys. Their skills in horsemanship, cattle handling, and enduring the harsh conditions of the trail were essential to the operation. The work of cowboys on cattle drives contributed significantly to the iconic image of the American cowboy, which became a central part of the mythology and culture of the American West. The rugged, independent lifestyle of the cowboy, their camaraderie, and the challenges they faced on the trail all helped shape the romanticized view of the American West that persists to this day.
• Analyze how the decline of cattle drives in the late 19th century was influenced by technological and infrastructural changes in the American West.
  • The decline of cattle drives in the late 19th century was largely due to the development of barbed wire fencing and the expansion of the railroad network. Barbed wire allowed ranchers to more effectively contain their herds on their own land, reducing the need for long-distance cattle drives. The growth of the railroad system also provided an alternative means of transporting cattle to distant markets, making the arduous cattle drives less necessary. These technological and infrastructural changes reduced the economic and logistical importance of cattle drives, leading to their gradual obsolescence by the end of the 19th century. The decline of cattle drives marked a significant shift in the economic and cultural landscape of the American West, as the iconic image of the cowboy on the trail gave way to new modes of transportation and industry.

Related terms

Cowboy: A person who herds and tends cattle on a ranch, often working as part of a cattle drive.

Longhorn:

A breed of cattle with large, distinctive horns that were well-suited for the harsh conditions of the American West.

Chuckwagon: A wagon that accompanied cattle drives, providing food, supplies, and a mobile kitchen for the cowboys.