describe the role of the cattle trails in the late 19th century
Indian Trails was created in 1910.
cattle was sold for 40$
drag
Ranch hands on horseback
Cattle trails were commonly found in the 19th century in the western United States, particularly in states like Texas, Kansas, and Nebraska. These trails were used to drive cattle from ranches to railheads for transportation to markets. Many of these historic cattle trails have since been incorporated into modern roads and highways.
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.
Before the arrival of the railway and modern road transport, cattle had to be driven from where they were reared to distant markets to be sold. Cattle drives could take several weeks. Once the railway arrived, the cattle would be driven to the nearest railhead and loaded onto cattle wagons - a much safer and speedier affair. So though the cattle trails were important, the coming of the railroad was even more important.
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.
The three great cattle trails include the western trail, the Chisholm trail and the goodnight loving trail.
Chisolm Trail is one.
East Shawnee Trail