The Close of the Open Range

The Close of the Open Range

Barbed-wire fencing

  

One reason that the grazing of animals on the open range declined in Texas in the late 1800s was the invention of barbed-wire fencing.

Barbed-wire fencing

Barbed-wire fencing was made up of small, sharpened pieces of wire twisted onto other long strands. The wire was then strung from post to post to fence in pasture land.

This fencing was quick, easy, and cheap to install, and provided a barrier to cattle, who were hemmed in by the sharpened wires without being severely injured.

Open Ended

Why did farmers use barbed wire?

Barbed-wire fencing

 

By 1880, barbed-wire fences were installed in several Texas counties.  Many cowboys and other people in TX were against barbed wire because it was bringing an end to the open range. 

As ranchers began fencing their land, conflicts arose. At times, fencing cut off access to water sources which meant that some ranchers were no longer able to water their herds.

Barbed-wire fencing

Ranchers and herders began cutting fences so they could get their animals to water.

As tensions rose, the Texas legislature voted in 1884 to make fence cutting a felony. In the 1870s and 1880s fence cutting became a problem by cattle rustlers and others who did not want the open range to end.  This part of Texas history is known as the “Fence Cutting Wars''.

Open Ended

What were the negitive effects of barbed wire?

Windmills

Windmills were adopted in the late 1800’s by farmers in the drier areas of Texas. Wind turned the wheel, which generated power to pump water from the ground.

Windmills

Windmills were first created to pump water from underground sources. The windmill made it possible for cattle owners to fence in their cattle. 

Ranchers no longer had to depend on surface water or let their cattle roam to find water.

Open Ended

How were windmills beneficial?

Railroads

The government gave railroad companies land & cash to build railroads across the United States. 

The expansion of the state’s railway network during the late 1800’s was rapid. The state government promoted construction by providing land grants to railroad developers.

Railroads

Gradually, steel connected the entire state. Further fulfilling the transcontinental railways. 

Cattle drives were no longer needed because ranchers could now send their cattle to markets by train. Towns near railroad grew, some moved closer to railroads, and some offered incentives for the railroad to move closer to them!

Multiple Choice

Cattle drives were no longer needed because ranchers -

• could now send their cattle to markets by train.

• The state government promoted construction

Open Ended

How were railroads beneficial?