Closing the Frontier: Cattle Cotton and Railroads

-I became the last Chief of the Comanche.

-I assimilated into American culture and encouraged my fellow Native Americans to do the same.

The list above defines who:

• Iron Jacket

• Quanah Parker

• John Wallace

• Peta Nocona

During the Reconstruction era, what led to the end of the traditional way of life for many Native American tribes?

• Most tribes converted to Christianity

• The last remaining tribes moved west in search of buffalo

• Several tribes transitioned to large-scale ranching

• The final tribal groups were relocated to reservations

Barbed wire was created -

• to create decorative fences
• to help fence off land and was influenced by the use of natural fences from the past.

• to increase crop yield
• to prevent wildlife from entering gardens

What nickname was given to the African American regiments in the U.S. Army who worked to maintain peace with Native Americans in the West after the Civil War?

• Bucktails

• Buffalo Soldiers

• Red River Rebels

• Screaming Eagles

Besides access to cheap land, what factor contributed to the settlement of the Texas frontier?

• More funding for educational institutions

• Increased demand for beef in eastern markets

• Construction of military forts in West Texas

• Laws prohibiting the use of barbed wire

Governor James Hogg helped protect Texans from unethical business practices by —

• Taking legal action against corrupt bankers

• Aiding in the resolution of range conflicts in West Texas

• Advocating for the establishment of the Texas Railroad Commission

• Signing laws to create the Attorney General’s office

One effect of barbed wire on the Texas frontier was —

• The emergence of rodeos

• The decline of cattle drives

• An increase in the number of ranching operations

• More conflicts between settlers and Native Americans

How did West Texas’ climate shape its economic growth?

• Frequent storms made farming nearly impossible

• The dry conditions favored ranching over farming

• The humid weather created ideal conditions for cotton farms

• Hurricanes frequently damaged farms and railways, limiting development

What impact did the end of the Civil War have on the cattle industry?

• Much of the grazing land was ruined by wartime destruction

• Farmers moved westward, reducing available grazing land

• Increased beef demand in the East led to industry growth

• The Confederacy’s defeat led many to join the cattle trade

Which TWO factors had the greatest impact on the expansion of ranching in West Texas?

• Political changes

• Growth of railroads

• Discovery of oil

• Access to water sources

• Availability of grain