Agricultural Developments

1. Agricultural Developments Ranchers and Farmers 1860-1900

2. Cattle on the Plains Texas Open Range Early Spanish introduced longhorn cattle to Texas. Spread throughout Texas since much of the state was “open range”—not fenced or divided into lots. Ranchers “branded” the cattle to show ownership. Railroads and Cow Towns Markets for beef were in the North and East The expansion of the railroad increased the value of Texas cattle (from $3 to $40)

3. The Long Drive Cattle were loaded on trains in “cow towns” and shipped to market. Cow towns such as Abilene and Dodge City, KS and Cheyenne, WY became important rail stations The increased value of the longhorns led to the “Long Drive” Cattle were herded 1,000 miles or more to meet the railroads During the heyday of the “Cattle Kingdom” more than 5 million cattle were moved north

5. Life on the Trail Who were the cowhands? Veterans of the Confederate Army Native Americans African Americans who moved west after the Civil War (Nat Love) Hispanic ranch hands

6. The Spanish Influence Cattle herding traditions began with the “vaqueros” in the Southwest. Skills used by the cowhands such as riding, roping and branding were perfected by the Spanish. Language of the cowhand derived from Spanish words (i.e. ranch from rancho) Equipment also based on that of the vaquero wide brimmed hats, chaps, lariats

7. Hazards on the Trail Cowhands road in the saddle for up to 15 hrs. per day in rain, dust storms and blazing sun Cattle could be lost crossing swift flowing rivers. Stampedes-when thousands of cattle ran in panic Life in cow towns could be rowdy, lawless and violent. Discrimination While cowhand of all races worked together discrimination existed. Non-Anglo cowhands received less pay and rarely became trail bosses.

8. Ranching Becomes BIG Business The growth of herds, sheep ranching and the cultivation of crops led to competition over land use. Range Wars led to the fencing off of the open range with barbed wired. Barbed wire ended the excitement of long cattle drives. Ranch hands replaced cowboys

9. Farmers Settle the Plains Farmers began settling the plains in the late 1860s and planting crops Lured by many factors Railroads made the journey west easier. Above average rainfall in the late 1870s improved farming. The Homestead Act of 1862 160 free acres of land to a settler who: Paid a filing fee Lived on the land for 5 years Homesteading lured thousands of new settlers such as immigrants from Scandinavia and African Americans from the South.

10. The Life of the Farmer Challenges Climate Rainfall Drought Fire Extreme winters Pests Grasshoppers Family Men Labored in fields Women Cared for children Sewed, cooked, made candles, preserved food Educated children Kept farm running in husband’s absence Children Helped in the fields Tended animals Did chores around the house

11. Farming on the Plains The Plains could not be farmed by the traditional methods of the 1860s. The “sodbusters” needed new tools and methods. Dry farming-planting seeds deep in the ground where there was some moisture. Steel plow-penetrates the tough layer of sod Windmills-pumped water from deep in the ground Barbed wire-protected their land

12. Oklahoma and the Closing of the Frontier Oklahoma Land Rush 1830’s-Oklahoma Territory designated as Indian Territory Oklahoma opened to homesteaders in 1889. April 22, 1889—10,000 homesteaders charged into the territory to claim land Most of the best land already claimed by “sooners” The Frontier is Closed The government announced after the 1890 census that the frontier no longer existed.