A significant historical trend involved large-scale cattle herding across vast distances. This practice, crucial to the economic development of the American West, entailed moving herds of cattle from grazing lands to market centers, primarily railroads. An example would be the movement of Texas Longhorns to Kansas railheads during the late 19th century.
This activity’s importance lay in its provision of beef to growing urban populations in the East, fueling economic expansion in both regions. It created a distinctive cowboy culture and dramatically reshaped land use, impacting Indigenous populations and fostering conflicts over resources.
