The cattle trails and railroads intersected in towns such as Abilene, Kansas; Dodge City, Kansas; and Cheyenne, Wyoming to form cattle shipping centers during the late 19th century. These towns became significant hubs for the cattle industry due to their accessible transportation networks for moving cattle to markets in the East.
Many of the large cattle barons lived in the south, many in the state of Texas. The railroads did not go that far south for many years so the cattle had to be driven north the 'old fashion way', by horse and rider. Once at their destination the cattle were sold and loaded into rail cars to be taken to other cities, usually in the east.
Cattle trails tended to begin in south Texas because this region provided ample grazing lands and mild climate for cattle to thrive. Additionally, cattle could be easily transported by ship to south Texas from Mexico, where many of the cattle originated. The expansive open terrain in south Texas also allowed for the efficient movement of large herds of cattle towards the Northern markets.
Cattle trails began in south Texas and traveled northward because there was a high demand for beef in the northern states and territories. The open grasslands and mild climate in Texas provided ideal conditions for cattle ranching, leading to the need to transport cattle to markets and railroads further north.
The Chisholm Trail started near San Antonio, Texas, while the Shawnee Trail started near Austin, Texas. Both trails were used during the 19th century to drive cattle north for sale.
describe the role of the cattle trails in the late 19th century
cattle was sold for 40$
drag
Ranch hands on horseback
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.
Chisolm Trail is one.
The three great cattle trails include the western trail, the Chisholm trail and the goodnight loving trail.
East Shawnee Trail
Cattle trails began to emerge in the mid-19th century, particularly during the 1860s to the 1880s, as cattle ranchers sought new markets for their livestock. The most famous of these trails, such as the Chisholm Trail, were established to transport cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other states. This period marked the rise of the cattle drive as a significant economic activity in the American West.
Spread disease
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.