The Cattle Kingdom Essay Example

livestock on fenced land.

The Nesters, or farmers from the East, disrupted trails and disintegrated the open range. This caused a series of range wars due to the tension between competing groups, resulting in casualties and property destruction. Numerous ranches vanished after enduring two harsh winters and dry summers from 1885 to 1887. The open range never made a comeback as the long drives became obsolete and railroads replaced the trails. However, the established ranches that had enclosed land and ample hay supplies persevered and expanded, leading to an unprecedented increase in beef production.

Although the cattle industry in its early years was predominantly male, a few women did participate in ranching and driving. Over time, this number increased, particularly in the western states where women found more opportunities. They were able to engage in politics, advocate for women suffrage, and even hold office. The West was ahead of the rest of the nation in granting women the right to vote. Women successfully convinced men that they could bring a moral voice into politics and contribute to a stronger sense of community. Additionally, no other activity has shaped the perception of Texas nationally as significantly as the cattle drive.

Texas has a long history of cattle raising, dating back to the Spanish attempts to establish missions and domesticate the Indians in the 18th century. Over time, the number of cattle in Texas grew rapidly, making them plentiful and causing their value to decrease. However, when the Civil War broke out in 1861, it had a devastating impact on the South's economy. While Texas had millions of cattle, there was no market

for them in the South. Ranchers found a market in the North though, where they could sell their cattle for ten times their southern value.

No more than around 260,000 people tried to cross the river during the war. As a result, the cattle business in Texas was not significantly affected until around 1866. From the traditions of the Old West and the demanding nature of the job, the Western cowboy evolved from being a mere hired help to becoming a cherished American icon. "Ranch Life And The Hunting Trail" written by Theodore Roosevelt provides insights into life and experiences in the Dakota Territory during the 1880s. Cattle and horses were left to graze freely on the open range.

During the roundup, the herds were divided, and the calves were branded with their mother's brands as a way to establish ownership of the cattle. The enduring image of a fearless and adventurous horseman living a perilous life continues to captivate. The essence of driving thousands to two thousand cattle hundreds of miles to market, braving lightning, cloudbursts, drought, stampedes, rattlesnakes, and outlaws, while sleeping under the stars remains unchanged. However, there have been some alterations in the cowboy's lifestyle in the 80s, while certain aspects of the American cowboy will always remain the same.