Cattle Trails and Black Cowboys

What was the purpose of the two trails marked on the above map?

• To ship cotton from southern Texas to factories in the north.

• To allow easy access to the Gulf of Mexico in order to ship goods.

• To allow ranchers to move their cattle north to railroads which shipped cattle east.

• To allow army troops in Texas to easily and quickly move north to help defend against attacks from American Indians.

What caused Texas ranchers to drive their cattle north to the railways?

• Many of the miners from the California Gold Rush wanted beef as part of their diet.

• There was a major drought in south Texas and ranchers were driving herds north towards water sources.

• There was a strong demand for beef in eastern cities which gave the ranchers a price incentive to drive the cattle north.

• Roads were constructed through Texas making it much easier and quicker to drive the cattle north towards the railroads.

What are cattle?

• Wild horses

• Herds of Goats

• Prairie Dogs

• Herds of Cows

Why were cattle important

• Kept grass cut low

• Pretty to look at

• Food Source

• Kept trails clear

Who were the Black Cowboys of Texas?

• Ranchers

• Cowboys from Texas

• Settlers on the Great Plains

• Former Slaves with valuable skills

Why did cattle drives end?

• Too many cattle

• Supply took over demand

• Sheep ranchers took over land

• Expansion of railroads and barbed wire fences

What is an incentive?

• an enemy

• A reward/motivation to do something

• Barrier

• Crop rotation

True or False: In the North and Eastern cities, cattle cost $40 each

• False

• True