Development of the plains c.1862 - c.1876 (part 2) Flashcards
(44 cards)
By 1850s, which state was a major centre of cattle ranching?
texas
In what year, did the no. of cattle in Texas reach 5 million?
1865
Why were the Texas longhorn cattle herded North?
worth more in North eg. $5 in Texas -> $40 in Chicago
In 1866, what cattle trail was set up?
Goodnight - Loving Trail
What was the purpose of the Goodnight - Loving Trail?
provided safe route -> drive cattle North (Wyoming)
What did the increase in cattle drives result in?
increased & size no. of cattle ranches in Texas
Define cow towns.
large area of land where cattle would be kept & trnsprtd by rail
Who created cow towns?
McCoy
What did McCoy buy to ensure that his ‘cow towns’ were a success? Why?
100 boxcars = cows shipped from Abilene -> Chicago
Why did Iliff set up a ranch? Where?
Denver - supply beef -> mining towns
What did Illiff win in 1872?
contract supplying beef -> 7000 Sioux Indians
What were ‘Cattle
Barons’ ?
large ranches & herds of cattle
What sort of areas were ranches?
large, unfenced areas
Why did cowboys work on ranches?
prevent cattle rustling
When working on the long drive, how many cattle did 12 cowboys have to manage?
3000 cattle
When working on the long drive, how many miles did cowboys have to take cattle? Why?
20 miles - take cattle to be sold -> North via railroad
When working on the ranch, what did cowboys do?
round up herds & seperate accrdng -> ownrshp
On the long drive, what did the trail - boss do?
made decisions on speed of drive & where to set up camp
On the long drive, what did the chuck wagon do?
trnsprtd supplies
On the long drive, what did the wrangler do?
cared for horses
On the ranch, how did roles within the group change?
cowboys from several ranches = worked tghthr, under 1 boss
Define outfit.
group of cowboys
On the long drive, what were the employment terms?
owner of herd would hire outfit -> dlvr her by agrd time
work = seasonal & part time
On the ranch, what were the employment terms?
work = year round & full time, fewer cowboys needed