Texas History: Cotton, Cattle, and Railroads

What was the status of cotton in Texas before the Civil War?

• It was not grown in Texas

• It was imported from other states

• It was a significant crop

• It was a minor crop

Who were the first to bring cattle to Texas?

• French traders

• American settlers

• Spanish explorers

• English colonists

What was a common age for cowboys during the cattle driving era?

• 40 to 45 years old

• 12 to 15 years old

• 30 to 35 years old

• 20 to 25 years old

Which cattle trail was the most utilized from Texas?

• Western Trail

• Goodnight-Loving Trail

• Shawnee Trail

• Chisholm Trail

What was the main reason cowboys' work was considered dangerous?

• Frequent storms

• All of the above

• Wildlife attacks

• Risk of injury from animals

What was the primary purpose of the Transcontinental Railroad?

• To increase travel to the southern states

• To serve only the northern states

• To connect the East and West coasts of the USA

• To transport cotton exclusively

How did refrigerated railroad cars impact the beef industry?

• Made transportation of live cattle unnecessary

• Decreased beef quality

• Increased the cost of beef transportation

• Had no impact on the beef industry

Why did Texas have fewer railroads compared to northern states?

• Geographical challenges

• All of the above

• Lack of industrial development

• Economic policies

What led to the decline of the cotton industry in Texas in the 1890s?

• Overproduction of cotton

• Shift of market to India by England

• Introduction of synthetic fibers

• Decrease in cotton quality

What role did windmills play in Texas agriculture?

• Irrigation in arid regions

• Powering cotton gins

• None, they were purely decorative

• Grinding grains for cattle feed