The Texan Cattle Industry

What was the Texan cattle industry?

When Texas gained its independence from Mexico in 1836, it also took over the Mexican cattle industry.

Who worked in the Texan cattle industry?

Men rode for the industry herding cattle from one place to another. They were called 'cowboys'.

Where did the Texan cattle industry move the cattle?

Cattle were moved from the south to New Orleans. They were also taken through Missouri to Sedalia and St Louis, where they could then be transported to markets in the north of America.

What problems did the Texan cattle industry have?

The cattle from Texas carried a disease called 'Texas fever', which was infectious and transmitted by the cattle tick. As a consequence, farmers in Missouri and South Kansas formed vigilance committees to block the routes until quarantine laws were put in place.

What were the consequences of the American Civil War on the Texas cattle industry?

The American Civil War had 4 major consequences for the cattle industry:

• ❖ Consumer demand for beef in the north of America grew.
• ❖ Advancements in the meat-packing industry meant it was easier to turn the cattle into meat.
• ❖ Many cattle herds had not been managed during the war, so there were now 5 million cows in Texas, mostly of the Longhorn breed.
• ❖ A cow in the north became worth $40, as opposed to $5 in the south. Cowboys from Texas tried to organise a huge cattle drive to the north in order to get the better price. They were prevented by farmers in Kansas, who were worried about Texas fever outbreaks.

What impact did the Texan cattle industry have on the buffalo?

As cattle numbers grew, the buffalo herds declined. These animals were both grazing livestock, so were competing for the same food. This had an impact on the Native American tribes, whose way of life relied on the buffalo.