The Cattle Kingdom Mastery

Match each item with its description.

• Chicago

• where many Texas cattle were taken in 1860s and 1870s after being driven north

• Indian Territory

• area avoided by trail bosses after land owners began charging grazing fees

• New Orleans

• market for small-scale cattle drives in the early 1830s

• Missouri

• state where farmers blocked trails because of Texas fever

• California

• major market for Texas cattle in 1850s after its Gold Rush

In which time period did the raising of cattle in Texas move beyond the food needs of the missions and become a profitable business?

• late 1600s

• late 1700s

• early 1800s

• late 1800s

Which of the following statements about Texas longhorn cattle is accurate?

• They were originally brought to Texas by American settlers.

• They are hardy cattle well suited to the Texas climate.

• They originated in California but thrived in Texas.

• They are known for their short legs, which gave them great stability on the plains.

Why did the practice of cattle drives begin in Texas?

• Cattle needed to be moved constantly.

• The Shawnee Trail enabled drovers to ship cattle to New Orleans.

• The Texas plains did not provide enough grazing land for cattle.

• The price of beef was low in Texas but high in other parts of the United States.

Which problem threatened to end the great Texas cattle drives in 1866?

• Texas fever

• years of drought

• the beginning of the Civil War

• the invention of barbed wire

Which factors contributed to the end of the great Texas cattle drives in the 1880s?

• Americans’ changing food preferences away from beef

• danger from Native American raids and loss of cowhands

• falling beef prices and closing of the open range

• rise of competing industries in eastern states

What was a significant impact of the invention of barbed wire on cattle ranching in Texas?

• It led to the expansion of cattle ranches into new territories.

• It resulted in the end of the open range system.

• It increased the instances of Texas fever among cattle.

• It decreased the profitability of cattle ranching.

How did railroads change the cattle industry in Texas?

• By making cattle drives unnecessary.

• By reducing the cost of beef in Texas.

• By increasing the time it took to transport cattle to market.

• By decreasing the demand for Texas cattle.

What role did cowtowns play in the Texas cattle industry?

• They served as educational centers for ranching techniques.

• They were the primary locations for cattle breeding.

• They acted as hubs for cattle drives and sales.

• They were used for cattle grazing during the winter months.

What significant event in the late 19th century impacted cattle ranching in Texas by opening up new markets?

• The invention of the cotton gin

• The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad

• The discovery of oil at Spindletop

• The signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo