I would say that they were, agriculture had already been sufficiently established in the American heartland (Midwest) so the need for larger pastures is not an accurate statement. Mining was mainly along the Western/Pacific coastline like the California and Alaska Gold Rushes whereas ranching took off in the Southwest where cowboys and ranching lore began.
Ranching significantly altered the landscape of the American West by introducing extensive grazing practices that transformed natural ecosystems. Overgrazing led to soil erosion and degradation of native vegetation, while the establishment of ranches and cattle trails contributed to the fragmentation of habitats. Additionally, ranching prompted the development of infrastructure such as roads and towns, further reshaping the land. This shift in land use also displaced Indigenous communities and wildlife, resulting in long-lasting environmental impacts.
It provided the means to transport cattle to eastern markets~NN
Over the years, after many companies started mining, many people from the east went there to mine and work which led to the settlement of the west.
Cattle ranching changed the west because it encouraged more people to settle the west and buy the land. It also brought in the railroad which was also used for transportation of people to the west instead of wagon trains. It was much easier travel by train and much faster. It also encouraged barbed wire fencing that let people regulate their own land and settlers could claim and protect their property and livestock.
railroad construction, cattle ranching, and mining.
railroad construction, cattle ranching, and mining.
bad
In the American west.
In the American west.
Railroad construction, cattle ranching and mining(all of the above)
Railroad construction, cattle ranching and mining(all of the above)
I would say that they were, agriculture had already been sufficiently established in the American heartland (Midwest) so the need for larger pastures is not an accurate statement. Mining was mainly along the Western/Pacific coastline like the California and Alaska Gold Rushes whereas ranching took off in the Southwest where cowboys and ranching lore began.
Ranching and Mining. There was a big gold rush and everyone wanted to go there to get rich.
mining
mining
Mining and cattle ranching helped prepare western territories for statehood because these were two industries that brought people to the west. The people who moved west wanted to join the United States because they wanted to see law enforcement intervention.