Ranching and the Cattle Industry

• When did cattle first arrive in America from Europe?

  Cattle arrived in the early 16th century with Spanish explorers
• What happened to cattle after Texas became independent in 1836?


  Farmers claimed uncontrolled herds and set up ranches
• What factors increased beef demand in the 1850s?


  Urbanisation, railroads and rising meat consumption drove demand
• What disease did Texan cattle spread during cattle drives?


  Texas Fever, which affected cattle in other states
• What law was passed to protect cattle in Missouri and Kansas?


  Quarantine laws against Texan cattle to prevent disease
• What did Joseph McCoy do to develop Abilene?


  Bought land and built stockyards to attract cowboys
• Who was the first rancher in the Great Plains?


  John Iliff, who raised over 35,000 cattle successfully
• What was the Goodnight-Loving Trail used for?


  Cattle drives from Texas to sell cattle in new markets
• What impact did railroads have on the cattle industry?


  Enabled fresh meat transport with refrigerated cars