Cowboys and Cattle Trails

African Americans traveled west to become cowboys because...

• They wanted to get rich quickly.

• They thought it would be easy work.

• They were treated fairly and paid a decent wage.

• They liked horses.

After the Civil War, Texas cattle ranchers sent their cattle east because... (There is more than one correct answer.)

• They were allergic to meat.

• The cows had diseases.

• They would get more money for their cows in the east.

• The demand for cattle was high in the east.

What was used to transport cattle to the east?

• Trains

• Steamboats

• Airplanes

• They walked on roads.

Cattle were sent to markets in the __________ .

• North

• South

• West

• East

What are the reasons that cattle ranchers hired African Americans to work on the cattle trails? (This question has more than one answer.)

• Ranchers were more interested in a cowboy's skills than skin color.

• They were the only cowboys available.

• Many had experience with livestock (cattle and horses).

• They were willing to work hard.

Why were cattle cheaper in Texas?

• There was a large supply of cattle in the east.

• There was a high demand for cattle in the east.

• There was a large supply of cattle in the Texas.

• There was a high demand for cattle in Texas.

Why did the cowboys choose to drive the cattle on the trails through Kansas and Nebraska?

• The trails in these states were the easiest routes.

• Kansas and Nebraska had roads and trucks to drive the cattle to the east.

• Kansas and Nebraska needed cattle.

• Kansas and Nebraska had railroads on which to send the cattle eastward.

Which letter represents the area where cattle drives would be MOST common during the 19th century?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Which letter represents the area where cattle prices

would be the highest in the late 19th century?

• A

• B

• C

• D