Cattle Drive
Involved cowboys moving herds of cattle long distances to market and railroad
Real World Example
Cattle drives were crucial during Westward Expansion because they helped supply beef to growing cities and supported the economy. Cowboys would move large herds across vast distances to railheads, where they were shipped to markets, emphasizing the importance of transportation and agriculture. These drives highlighted tensions over land use and rights, as they often crossed Native American lands, sparking conflicts. Today, the cattle industry's roots in these drives influence modern agriculture, food supply, and land management. For the average person, this history connects to the availability of beef in grocery stores and the ongoing discussions about land conservation and ethical farming practices.