<p> Chapter 17 Ranching in Texas 1850-1890 Section 1 The Beginning of the Cattle Kingdom The Cattle Industry Early Texas Cattle industry began in South Texas…bordered by the Rio Grande RiverGulf of MexicoNueces River… Area well suited for raising cattle…endless supply of grass on the prairies… ***Once the buffalo herds were killed…Native Americans moved to reservations…settlers began moving in … establishing towns, farms and ranches… Spanish Origins The Spanish were the first to bring cattle to North Americalonghornsroamed the plains of South Texas… Charro culture – ranches along the Rio Grande established by José de Escandón…Mexican cowhands (vaqueros) used horses and ropes to round up herds of cattle…drive the herds into corrals (pens) and mark them with their brand (a mark burned on the hide of cattle to show ownership) Longhorns</p><p>1  Brought by the Spanish…roamed wild in Texas…multiplied…different breeds mixed…Longhorns  Hugh horns  Adapt to almost any environment o Survive on little water and food o Survive in extreme hot and cold Temperature o Use horns as protection from enemies</p><p>Early Ranchers Ranching increased in Texas after Mexico gained control in 1821 {Texans could receive more than 4,400 acres if they raised cattle} Unbranded cattle could be used to start herds…many settlers became ranchers… Ranchers from the United States used English methods…on foot…small, fenced herds… Texas cowhands blended both Spanish and English methods…</p><p>James Taylor White (Liberty County)…Texas’s first cattle baron  Sold cattle in Louisiana…transported on Mississippi River  By 1850…cattle were driven to Missouri for shipment by rail to Eastern markets o Crossed settled areas in East Texas and Arkansas . Farmers upset by cattle drives {trampled crops…ate grass...brought Texas fever} . Transporting cattle costly…used for other things {hides, tallow (candles and soap)} </p><p>2 Texas Herds During the Civil War By 1863…Union controlled the Mississippi River…Texas cattle could not reach hungry soldiers of the Confederacy</p><p>Cattle industry declined…much of the ranching work was left undone with so many men fighting the war….  Herds roamed the state…grew rapidly  So many cattle at the end of the war…value dropped</p><p>Railroad lines were the key to the future of the Texas cattle industry…</p><p>3</p>