I don't think it was the cattle trails themselves that changed the industry, it was more or less the building of the railroads, more pioneers taking over the land, and barbed wire that changed the cattle industry as a whole.
The increase in population along cattle trails led to the development of settlements and ranches, causing conflicts between the cattle drives and local communities. As a result, laws were passed to regulate the movement of cattle and prevent further conflicts, ultimately leading to the decline of cattle drives.
The cattle trails came to an end primarily due to the expansion of the railroads, which provided a more efficient means of transporting cattle to markets. Additionally, the overgrazing on the trails led to depleted grasslands, and the severe winters of the late 1880s significantly reduced cattle herds. Increased fencing due to the Homestead Act also limited the open range that cattle drives relied upon, ultimately transforming the cattle industry and leading to the decline of the traditional cattle trails.
If by trails you mean cattle drives, the purpose was to move large herds of cattle to the nearest railroad stop so the cattle could be shipped to other parts of the country, usually larger cities in the east.
If by trails you mean cattle drives, the purpose was to move large herds of cattle to the nearest railroad stop so the cattle could be shipped to other parts of the country, usually larger cities in the east.
It helps the cattle industry because since texas had alot of plains the cattle were able to survive in texas.
Cattle drives played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States during the late 19th century. They facilitated the movement of large herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in the Midwest, enabling the beef industry to flourish. This not only boosted the economy but also led to the establishment of towns and infrastructure along the trails. Additionally, cattle drives contributed to the cultural identity of the American West, romanticizing the cowboy lifestyle and shaping the region's history.
With the coming of the railroads, cattle drives headed for the nearest railroad towns, and cattle were shipped north by rail, so shortening the cattle drive considerable.
Cattle drives significantly impacted Texas by transforming its economy and society in the late 19th century. They facilitated the growth of the cattle ranching industry, making Texas a major supplier of beef to the eastern United States. This economic boom attracted settlers and entrepreneurs, leading to the development of towns along cattle trails, such as Abilene and Dodge City. Additionally, cattle drives contributed to the cultural identity of Texas, fostering a unique cowboy culture that remains influential today.
Somewhere around 1860, after the the trails into Missouri were closed and cattle drives were directed into Kansas.
The end points for cattle trails on the Union Pacific Railroad were primarily marked by the cities of Omaha, Nebraska, and Ogden, Utah. Omaha served as a key starting point for cattle drives heading to the rail line, while Ogden became a critical destination for shipping cattle to markets in the East and West. These cities facilitated the transport of cattle as part of the broader expansion of the cattle industry in the late 19th century.
Some famous cattle trails in Texas were:Goodnight-Loving TrailGreat Western TrailChisholm TrailSedalia (Shawnee) Trail
Siegfried G. Demke has written: 'The cattle drives of early California' -- subject(s): Cattle trails, Ranch life