Cattle Trails

What were cattle trails?

Cattle trails were the routes used by cowboys to drive cattle from ranch to market. They needed to be planned out, to ensure there was enough grass and water along the way to feed the cattle.

What were the main cattle trails?

From 1866 to the 1880s, several trails were established:

• ❖ The Shawnee Trail. This was used until 1866, when outbreaks of Texas fever caused farmers to block it. It ran from San Antonio in Texas to Kansas City or Sedalia.
• ❖ The Goodnight-loving Trail, used from 1866 to the 1880s. It was established from Texas to Cheyenne, through New Mexico and California.
• ❖ The Chisholm Trail, used from 1867 to 1872. It started in San Antonio, Texas, and finished in Wichita, Ellsworth, or Abilene.
• ❖ The Western Trail. This was used from 1876 to 1884, after the establishment of Dodge City in Kansas. It went from San Antonio, Texas, to Ogallala in Nebraska.

How were Native Americans affected by the cattle trails?

Native Americans felt those using the cattle trails were trespassers. They patrolled and monitored the trails, stole horses and cattle, and even attacked cowboys when they passed by. This led to conflicts with the US Army.