Johnson County War and Wyoming Cattle Ranchers Quiz

In what year did the Johnson County War take place?

• 1892

• 1870

• 1889

• 1860

What event weakened the power of big cattle ranchers in Wyoming?

• The terrible winter of 1886-87

• A drought in 1875

• A government land reform

• A cattle disease outbreak in 1890

What did Jim Averill do that angered the big ranchers?

• Wrote a newspaper letter calling them greedy land-grabbers

• Stole cattle from Bothwell

• Joined the WSGA

• Burned Bothwell’s barn

What happened to Ella Watson and Jim Averill in 1889?

• They were hanged by Bothwell and his men

• They became leaders of the WSGA

• They moved to another state

• They were elected as judges

What did Bothwell do after killing Ella Watson and Jim Averill?

• Took their land and cattle

• Left Wyoming

• Was arrested by the governor

• Became a judge

What was most of the money raised by wealthy ranchers used for after the killings?

• Legal costs

• Buying more cattle

• Building new ranches

• Paying the governor

Why did juries made up of ordinary people usually refuse to convict anyone accused of rustling by the WSGA?

• They were frustrated with big ranchers acting like they owned everything

• They were paid by the WSGA

• They didn’t understand the law

• They were afraid of cattle

What did the population growth in Wyoming lead to in terms of rancher power?

• Big cattle ranchers became very powerful

• Small ranchers took control

• The government took over all ranches

• Railroads replaced ranches

What role did big cattle ranchers take up as their power grew?

• Judges and government officials

• Railroad engineers

• School teachers

• Bankers

What was the main reason for the tension between big and small ranchers?

• Accusations of cattle rustling

• Disputes over water rights

• Arguments about railroad construction

• Conflicts over mining land