Farming, Ranching, and Agriculture

longhorn cattle

A breed of cattle descended from Spanish stock, known for their large, spread horns.

Chisholm Trail

A major cattle-driving route that connected central Texas to Abilene, Kansas, stretching 500 miles.

Cowboys

Young men who drove cattle herds from Texas to market, often facing harsh conditions and low pay.

Homestead Act of 1862

Legislation allowing settlers to claim 160 acres of land under certain conditions, promoting family farming.

dummy homesteaders

Individuals who illegally claimed land to allow companies to usurp the best agricultural land.

sodbusters

Tough steel plows designed for cultivation of the prairie land, which it was initially thought to be unsuitable for farming.

barbed wire

A fencing material that drastically changed farming and ranching practices post-1883.

crop lien system

An agricultural credit system that often trapped farmers in debt and dependency on cash crops.

Greenback Movement

A movement aiming to increase the supply of paper currency to combat deflation.

Munn v. Illinois (1877)

A court case that upheld state rights to set maximum freight rates for railroads.

Interstate Commerce Act (1887)

Legislation that established Congressional authority to regulate interstate trade, laying groundwork for future regulations.

Cattle Drives

The process of herding large numbers of cattle, commonly involving thousands of animals, from ranches to market.

Agribusiness

A business model focused on agricultural production and efficiency, providing significant influence in the economy.

Frederick Jackson Turner’s thesis

An argument stating that American history is characterized by successive westward expansion and that the frontier shaped American culture.

Farming becomes a business

The transition from self-sufficient farming to commercial agriculture focused on cash crops.

National Grange

An organization founded in 1867 aimed at cooperative marketing and supporting agriculture.

Wabash Case (1886)

A landmark case that limited state regulation of interstate commerce, reserving that power for the federal government.

Farmers' Alliance

A movement organizing farmers to address issues related to freight costs and advocating for economic reforms.

Hereford cattle

A breed introduced to improve beef quality, causing conflicts due to tick-borne diseases in eastern cattle.

cattle town

A town established for the trade and shipping of cattle, such as Abilene, Kansas.

meatpacking industry

An industry that transformed food production and distribution, heavily influencing agriculture.

pairs in the cattle economy

Refers to social dynamics and changes from transient labor to permanent employment among cowboys.

prairie fires

Natural disasters that presented significant challenges for homesteaders and agriculture on the plains.

drought

A prolonged dry period that negatively impacted farming viability during the late 1800s.