Cattle Trails Quiz

What was the reason for creating cattle trails?

• to bring cattle to the railroads

• to trade with American Indians

• to increase muscle mass of herds

• to raise the price of cattle at market

True or false: Most trail companies traveling west started in Chicago.

• True

• False

Study the table of beef prices. Use your knowledge of economics to explain the most likely cause of the price decrease from 1895–1897. What led to the recovery in 1898?

• Increased supply of beef

• Economic recession

• Improved transportation methods

• Government intervention

Where did the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroad lines meet?

• California

• Nebraska

• Texas

• Utah

What did Abraham Lincoln hope would unite America after the Civil War?

• a federal retirement package for soldiers

• an intercontinental transportation system

• the increased production of beef in Texas

• California’s statehood during the Gold Rush

True or false: Cattle ranching earned more money than farming.

• True

• False

Study the map of cattle trails. Both trails start in the same city and run closely parallel to each other. Why might two separate trails have been created when one trail might have been more efficient?

• To avoid congestion and allow more cattle to be moved simultaneously.

• To provide alternative routes in case of bad weather.

• To separate different types of cattle for better management.

• To create competition between trail operators.

Who made the most money during the California Gold Rush?

• guides

• merchants

• miners

• politicians

Select all that apply: Why did cattle barons stop using cattle trails? Choose all that apply.

• Cattle taxes increased.

• Trail fever wiped out herds.

• Landowners built fencing.

• Travel became too dangerous.

• The price of beef crashed.

What was the greatest threat on a cattle drive?

• floods

• poachers

• stampedes

• wolves