overgrazing
The cattle industry originated in Ancient Egypt over 5000 years ago. Same with the cattle drives.
Yes, in Montana, cattle drives were a common practice, especially during the late 19th century when ranching became prominent. Cowboys would drive herds of cattle along trails to reach markets or grazing lands. The state's vast open spaces and ranching culture made it an ideal location for such activities, which were essential for the cattle industry. Today, while modern transportation has largely replaced cattle drives, the tradition is still celebrated in various events and rodeos.
Cattle ranching and he work cowhands did promoted settlements of the plains so there were places to rest during a long cattle drive. As railroads grew, more settlements were established and cattle drives were a large part of the economy.
The big cattle drives in the United States primarily took place from the late 1860s to the early 1890s, lasting about 20 to 25 years. These drives were driven by the demand for beef following the Civil War and the expansion of railroads into cattle-rich areas. The era of the cattle drives effectively ended with the advent of barbed wire and changes in ranching practices.
Yes, cattle ranching experienced significant growth after the Civil War. The expansion of railroads allowed for easier transportation of cattle to market, particularly to the East. Additionally, the demand for beef surged as the population grew and urban centers expanded. This period saw the rise of the cattle industry, including the iconic cattle drives and the establishment of ranches across the American West.
After the Civil War, cattle ranching emerged as a lucrative job due to the growing demand for beef in the Eastern United States, fueled by population growth and urbanization. The availability of vast, open lands in the West and the establishment of cattle drives allowed ranchers to raise and transport cattle efficiently. Additionally, advancements in railroads made it easier to ship cattle to markets, enhancing the profitability of ranching. As a result, many sought opportunities in this booming industry, contributing to the iconic image of the American cowboy.
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.
They become feral or join another local herd or die.
to get cattle to the market.
The railroads meant the rancher had a shorter journey to cattle markets. Instead of a cattle drive having to go a long distance, taking many days, the cattle were driven to the nearest railhead or cattle yard and loaded onto cattle trucks.
Cattle drives
Nowadays, cattle are loaded onto cattle trucks or trains. Though "cowboys" still use horses for daily chores of looking after the cattle on the range surrounding the ranch, the long cattle drives over several weeks to a distant market are a thing of the past. Most of the old drove route have vanished beneath modern farms and housing.