unit i – an industrial nation chapter 5 section 1 – the american west cowboys, ranchers and...

Unit I – An Industrial Nation

Chapter 5Section 1 – The American West

Cowboys, Ranchers and Farmers

Ranching on the Plains• After the Civil War, cattle ranching dominated the Plains.

• First the Spanish in the 1500s, then the Mexicans, became skilled at raising cattle in harsh conditions. They interbred Spanish and English cattle to breed Texas Longhorns, which were hearty and thrived on the Plains.

• The Spanish also brought sheep ranching to the Plains, which grew after the Civil War when demand for wool expanded.

• Sheep farmers cattle owners clashed over grazing land and became violent.

• Demand for beef grew in the East, so ranchers hired cowboys, usually white teens, for three–months–long cattle drives to railroad towns for shipping.

• The Chisholm Trail from San Antonio to Kansas was a major cattle trail.

Ranching Culture

Cattle Drives

Ranching as Big Business• The invention of barbed wire helped cattle owners manage large herds.• Between 1882 and 1886 more than 400 cattle corporations sprang up in the

West, but fencing led to conflict when land owners who enclosed their land left landless cattle owners with nowhere to graze their cattle.

The Pacific Railway Act gave millions of acres to railroad companies to build tracks and telegraph lines.

Farmers on the Great Plains

The Morrill Act gave the states land to build colleges that taught agriculture and mechanics. This was the first federal government assistance for higher education.

• With encouragement from the government, people started pouring onto the Great Plains to build farms.

• In 1862 Congress passed three acts to encourage settlement:

The Homestead Act let any head of household over 21 to claim 160 acres of land, as long as they built a home, farmed for five years, and made improvements.

• The Oklahoma Land Rush occurred when a lobbyist found 2 million acres of land not assigned to any Native American nation. Despite the government’s ban against settlers’ entry into the Indian Territory, settlers were still able to claim the land.

• On April 22, 1889, would-be settlers lined the border until it opened, when 50,000 people rushed in and claimed homesteads.

The New SettlersWhite Settlers

• Came mainly from states in the Mississippi Valley

• Were mostly middle-class farmers or business people

• Could afford supplies and transportation

African American Settlers

• Some left the South because of the Black Codes and Ku Klux Klan violence.

• Rumors spread that the federal government would set Kansas aside for former slaves, which wasn’t true but brought settlers anyway.

European Settlers

• Came for economic opportunity

• Many Northern Europeans came because they were land-poor.

• Irish who came to work on the railroads settled on the Plains.

• Mennonite Protestants from Russia brought farming experience.

Chinese Settlers

• Came for the gold rush and railroads but turned to farming

• Helped establish California’s fruit industry

• Laws often barred Asians from owning land, so many became farm workers, not owners.

Challenges and Solutions• Farming on the Plains presented challenges because of the harsh climate—bitter cold,

wind and snow in the winter, intense heat and drought in the summer.

– Many families used wells powered by windmills.

– Some settlers learned irrigation from Hispanic and Native American farmers.

• Wood for houses was in limited supply.

– Settlers used the earth itself to build by digging into the sides of hills or making homes from sod.

• Farming was challenging in the hard soil of the Plains.

– New machinery like new, sharper-edged plows and combine harvesters helped Plains farmers.

– Large companies started giant bonanza farms that were like factories, which profited in good years but were too expensive to survive bad growing years.

Western Migration Ends

Causes

• Economic Potential

– Opportunity for land and gold

– Farming, ranching, and rail jobs

• Native Americans end resistance

– As Native Americans lose battles, they are relocated off valuable land

– Government allowed settlers into Indian Territory

Effects

• Traditional Native American ways of life are destroyed.

• Mining communities are established.

• Ranches are established, and the cattle industry booms.

• Farmers settle on the Plains despite challenges.

• In 1890 the U.S. Census Bureau issued a report that declared the frontier closed, because there was no new land left to settle.

• In 1893 the historian Frederick Jackson Turner wrote an essay stating that the existence of the frontier gave the U.S. a unique history.

• Some causes and effects of Western Migration:

CowboysCowboys

Life on the RangeLife on the Range

Cowboys- Myths or Truth

1) The Cowboy Life was Glamorous.

Myth or Truth?

Myth- 18 hour days and the long trail drive were boringMyth- 18 hour days and the long trail drive were boring


2) Most cowboys had small or medium frames

Myth or Truth?

Truth- large men were to heavy to ride the mustangs Truth- large men were to heavy to ride the mustangs


3) The Cowboy would ride his favorite horse all day.

Myth or Truth?Myth- Cowboys would ride a string of horses depending Myth- Cowboys would ride a string of horses depending the task at hand. Mild horses at night, and quick horsesthe task at hand. Mild horses at night, and quick horsesfor daylight roping and driving.for daylight roping and driving.


4) Many Cowboys were Mexican or African American.

Myth or Truth?Truth- 1/6th of cowboys were Mexican and many wereTruth- 1/6th of cowboys were Mexican and many wereAfrican/American, Former Confederates and even NativeAfrican/American, Former Confederates and even NativeAmerican.American.


5) Most Cowboys were older experienced wranglers.

Myth or Truth?

Myth- Most were young men who learned on the job.Myth- Most were young men who learned on the job.


6) Women could not be cowboys.

Myth or Truth?

Myth- Several women owned cattle ranches and ran theirMyth- Several women owned cattle ranches and ran theirown cattle drives.own cattle drives.


7) Cowboys often had to fight off native Americans.

Myth or Truth?

Myth- Cowboys rarely if ever fought with Native Myth- Cowboys rarely if ever fought with Native AmericansAmericans


8) The word “Cowboy” was invented in Texas.

Myth or Truth?

Myth- The word Cowboy comes from the Spanish wordMyth- The word Cowboy comes from the Spanish word““Vaquero”Vaquero”

Cowboy Legacy – 2:33 min.

Cowboy Era- Cowboy Era- 25 years from 25 years from 1860’s to 1880’s1860’s to 1880’s

• cowboy, cowpoke, or cowpuncher- cowboy, cowpoke, or cowpuncher- "one who tends "one who tends cattle or horses, especially a mounted cattle ranch worker." They cattle or horses, especially a mounted cattle ranch worker." They evolved into what we now picture as enigmatic, mostly unknown, evolved into what we now picture as enigmatic, mostly unknown, under-bathed, underpaid, overworked ranch hands who endured under-bathed, underpaid, overworked ranch hands who endured severe rigors of the job and climatic extremes of the seasons with severe rigors of the job and climatic extremes of the seasons with the livestock they tended, for the enjoyment of an adventurous, the livestock they tended, for the enjoyment of an adventurous, open-ended, individualistic lifestyle. open-ended, individualistic lifestyle.

• The Cowboy, a skilled laborer who rode horses and herded cattle, The Cowboy, a skilled laborer who rode horses and herded cattle, faced harsh elements in nature and slept under the stars in open faced harsh elements in nature and slept under the stars in open air, was always on the move. He needed to be ever watchful of a air, was always on the move. He needed to be ever watchful of a sudden stampede of panicked cows, set off by a coyote’s howl, the sudden stampede of panicked cows, set off by a coyote’s howl, the rattling of pots in a wagon, or a bolt of lightening on the horizon. rattling of pots in a wagon, or a bolt of lightening on the horizon.

Cowboys

• The word The word cowboycowboy is actually a Spanish word, is actually a Spanish word, "vaquero." The word vaquero evolved from the root "vaquero." The word vaquero evolved from the root word "vaca" meaning cow. Ergo the word vaquero, word "vaca" meaning cow. Ergo the word vaquero, (cowman), translated into the English - cowboy. The (cowman), translated into the English - cowboy. The English term for someone who managed cattle prior to English term for someone who managed cattle prior to the adoption of the Spanish Vaquero method and name the adoption of the Spanish Vaquero method and name for cowboying was "Drover.”for cowboying was "Drover.”

• The name “Cowpoke” comes from the The name “Cowpoke” comes from the end of the cattle drive when the cowboys end of the cattle drive when the cowboys had to push the cattle onto the trains had to push the cattle onto the trains with a stick or prod.with a stick or prod.

Long Horns

• The hardy Corriente cattle The hardy Corriente cattle allowed to free range in the allowed to free range in the 1600's evolved through the 1600's evolved through the process of natural selection process of natural selection (and with some help by (and with some help by Spanish ranchers) in two Spanish ranchers) in two hundred years into a breed hundred years into a breed which is now termed "Texas which is now termed "Texas Longhorn." In reality the Longhorn." In reality the Texas Longhorn would more Texas Longhorn would more accurately be called the accurately be called the "Spanish American Vaquero "Spanish American Vaquero Long Horn."Long Horn."

Cattle Raising• Early cattle raisers put their herds on "the Early cattle raisers put their herds on "the

open range" - public land open to anyone open range" - public land open to anyone who used it for cattle grazing - and the who used it for cattle grazing - and the cattle roamed and survived as best they cattle roamed and survived as best they could with a minimum of care, even in the could with a minimum of care, even in the winter months. The men held periodic winter months. The men held periodic roundups to brand and gather cattle for roundups to brand and gather cattle for slaughter or market. From this cattle-rich slaughter or market. From this cattle-rich area much of the stock for the trail herds area much of the stock for the trail herds

later came.later came. • A less known aspect of "cowboying" was A less known aspect of "cowboying" was

mustanging. Mesteneros or mustangers mustanging. Mesteneros or mustangers were the first people to make a living by were the first people to make a living by catching wild horses (mestenos, or catching wild horses (mestenos, or mustangs), on the American Great Plains mustangs), on the American Great Plains

reaching from New Mexico to the Dakotas.reaching from New Mexico to the Dakotas.

Cattle Drives• 1866- A Steer worth $4 in Texas sold for $40 in the

East.• Need to drive a herd to a railroad town (Cattle towns,

or boomtowns) to be shipped east to the meat packers.

• Major trails- Chisholm, Goodnight Loving, Western and Sedalia.

• Drive lasted 3 months• 10-12 miles per day.• 2/3 of cowboys were teenagers between the ages of

12-18.• Conflict over the open range.

Cattle Drives

Cowboy lingo

Cowboys developed their own slang and names for commonplace items in western life-cattle, Cowboys developed their own slang and names for commonplace items in western life-cattle, cattle equipment, and the like. Below are some examples of the cowboy vocabulary. cattle equipment, and the like. Below are some examples of the cowboy vocabulary.

• BEEVES BEEVES CattleCattle

• BRONCO BRONCO A wild horse. Bronco busters were cowboys who trained broncos.A wild horse. Bronco busters were cowboys who trained broncos.

• CATTLE KINGDOM CATTLE KINGDOM The height of ranching and beef production, roughly 1866-86.The height of ranching and beef production, roughly 1866-86.

• CINCH CINCH A wide strap that holds the saddle on the horse.A wide strap that holds the saddle on the horse.

• COWPUNCHER COWPUNCHER Another name for cowboys. Taken from the poles used to punch or prod Another name for cowboys. Taken from the poles used to punch or prod cattle onto railroad boxcars at the railheads.cattle onto railroad boxcars at the railheads.

• CHUCK CHUCK Food. A cook was often nicknamed "Cookie."Food. A cook was often nicknamed "Cookie."

• MAVERICK MAVERICK An unbranded or stray calf.An unbranded or stray calf.

• OUTFIT OUTFIT The cattle and hands (employees) on a ranch.The cattle and hands (employees) on a ranch.

• OUTLAW OUTLAW A criminal denied the protection of the law; a person who is outside the A criminal denied the protection of the law; a person who is outside the law.law.

Cowboy lingo

• RAILHEAD RAILHEAD The place where the railroad tracks stop. The end of the long The place where the railroad tracks stop. The end of the long drive where cattle are loaded onto railroad cars to be shipped to the eastern drive where cattle are loaded onto railroad cars to be shipped to the eastern stockyards.stockyards.

• RANCH RANCH A large farm for raising cattle.A large farm for raising cattle.

• RIDE FENCE RIDE FENCE Checking the barbed wire fence on the perimeter of the ranch Checking the barbed wire fence on the perimeter of the ranch for holes and making repairs.for holes and making repairs.

• RODEO RODEO A formal competition of cowboy skills.A formal competition of cowboy skills.

• RUSTLER RUSTLER A cattle thief.A cattle thief.

• STAMPEDE STAMPEDE When a large herd of cattle become frightened, run, and scatteWhen a large herd of cattle become frightened, run, and scatte

• STEERS STEERS Male calves raised for beef.Male calves raised for beef.

Branding• The system of brands and brand The system of brands and brand

registration was three-fold. registration was three-fold.

– First, the fierro or irion brand was First, the fierro or irion brand was burned into the animal's flank hide, burned into the animal's flank hide,

– Second was the senal or ear-mark. Second was the senal or ear-mark.

– Lastly, the venta or sale brand was Lastly, the venta or sale brand was stamped on the animal's shoulder stamped on the animal's shoulder as a bill of sale. as a bill of sale.

– The new brand was burned below The new brand was burned below the venta brand and the new the venta brand and the new transaction was recorded.transaction was recorded.

• To the left are twelve different brands To the left are twelve different brands which show how one symbol-the letter which show how one symbol-the letter "R"-can be manipulated into "R"-can be manipulated into

different designs.different designs.

Saddle and Ropes• The cowhand's most important piece of The cowhand's most important piece of

"equipment," however, was his horse. On the "equipment," however, was his horse. On the back of a horse, the cowboy could cover vast back of a horse, the cowboy could cover vast distances, and he could herd cattle all day.distances, and he could herd cattle all day.

• The saddle horn was an innovation invented The saddle horn was an innovation invented through necessity by creative Spanish and through necessity by creative Spanish and Mexican vaqueros. Livestock was first tied to Mexican vaqueros. Livestock was first tied to the horses's tail. To the horses dismay.the horses's tail. To the horses dismay.

• Consequently, when they were not able to Consequently, when they were not able to rope the steer, turn the rope around the rope the steer, turn the rope around the saddlehorn, then remove their thumb between saddlehorn, then remove their thumb between the rope and horn before the animal pulled the rope and horn before the animal pulled tight enough to cut off the digit, they lost their tight enough to cut off the digit, they lost their thumbs. This was the beginning of the Texan thumbs. This was the beginning of the Texan tradition of roping technique where the rope tradition of roping technique where the rope was first tied to the saddlehorn, then lassoing was first tied to the saddlehorn, then lassoing the animal. To this day on occasion you will the animal. To this day on occasion you will still come across a thumbless cowboy who lost still come across a thumbless cowboy who lost his digit the same way.his digit the same way.

Clothing - Cowboy Hat and Boots• A cowboy’s most prized A cowboy’s most prized

possessions were his hat possessions were his hat and boots. A cowboy hat and boots. A cowboy hat would cost up to three would cost up to three months salary and there months salary and there were three types of hats- were three types of hats- ten-gallon, the Mountie and ten-gallon, the Mountie and the Stetson.the Stetson.

• High leather boots protected the High leather boots protected the cowboys' feet and ankles; the boots' cowboys' feet and ankles; the boots' pointed toes made it easier for the pointed toes made it easier for the cowboys to slip their feet into their cowboys to slip their feet into their stirrups, and the boots' high heels stirrups, and the boots' high heels helped to anchor the riders' feet and helped to anchor the riders' feet and prevent them from slipping out.prevent them from slipping out.

Clothing• Every item of the cowhand's clothing was Every item of the cowhand's clothing was

functional and originated for a practical functional and originated for a practical purpose.purpose.

– The basics were long-sleeved cotton or wool The basics were long-sleeved cotton or wool shirts and work pants. Because the shirts shirts and work pants. Because the shirts rarely had pockets, vests were usually worn rarely had pockets, vests were usually worn to carry small items and provide added to carry small items and provide added protection. protection.

– Hats and kerchiefs had multiple uses and Hats and kerchiefs had multiple uses and were always part of the cowhand's attire. were always part of the cowhand's attire.

– Other items included jackets or slickers to Other items included jackets or slickers to protect the men from the elements.protect the men from the elements.

– Chaps worn over boots and pants to Chaps worn over boots and pants to provide a shield against the harsh brush of provide a shield against the harsh brush of the rough country. the rough country.

Cowboy Gear• The knife in the waistband is an essential The knife in the waistband is an essential

tool. The revolver on the hip, although not tool. The revolver on the hip, although not often used because of the common fear of often used because of the common fear of stirring a stampede, provided a last stirring a stampede, provided a last defense against snakes, steers and other defense against snakes, steers and other cowboys.cowboys.

• The myth portrays cowboys with sharp The myth portrays cowboys with sharp shooters, fighting boisterously. The fact is shooters, fighting boisterously. The fact is cowboys used guns only as a last resort cowboys used guns only as a last resort for defense. The noise of a gunshot would for defense. The noise of a gunshot would frighten the herds, possibly causing a frighten the herds, possibly causing a stampede. The myth paints cowboys as stampede. The myth paints cowboys as adept and agile gunfighters. The truth is adept and agile gunfighters. The truth is

they had little opportunity to use them.they had little opportunity to use them.

Black Cowboys• Eight or nine thousand Negroes - a quarter of the total number of trail drivers Eight or nine thousand Negroes - a quarter of the total number of trail drivers

• Many of them were especially well-qualified top hands, riders, ropers, and cooks. Many of them were especially well-qualified top hands, riders, ropers, and cooks.

• They worked, ate, slept, played, and on occasion fought, side by side with their white They worked, ate, slept, played, and on occasion fought, side by side with their white comrades, and their ability and courage won respect, even admiration. comrades, and their ability and courage won respect, even admiration.

• They were often paid the same wages as white cowboys and, in the case of certain They were often paid the same wages as white cowboys and, in the case of certain horsebreakers, ropers, and cooks, occupied positions of considerable prestige. horsebreakers, ropers, and cooks, occupied positions of considerable prestige.

• In a region and period characterized by violence, their lives were probably safer than In a region and period characterized by violence, their lives were probably safer than they would have been in the Southern cotton regions where between 1,500 and 1,600 they would have been in the Southern cotton regions where between 1,500 and 1,600 Negroes were lynched in two decades after 1882. Negroes were lynched in two decades after 1882.

• The skilled and handy Negro probably had a more enjoyable, if rougher, existence as The skilled and handy Negro probably had a more enjoyable, if rougher, existence as a cowhand than he would have had as a sharecropper or laborer.a cowhand than he would have had as a sharecropper or laborer.

• Negro cowhands, to be sure, were not treated as “equals” except in the rude quasi-Negro cowhands, to be sure, were not treated as “equals” except in the rude quasi-equality of the roundup, stampede, and river-crossing - where they were sometimes equality of the roundup, stampede, and river-crossing - where they were sometimes tacitly recognized even as superiors - tacitly recognized even as superiors -

Cowboy Life1/3 of the cowboys were former slaves and most of the 1/3 of the cowboys were former slaves and most of the

others were former confederate soldiers. others were former confederate soldiers. MMusic was mostly to sooth the herds with human voices and to distract usic was mostly to sooth the herds with human voices and to distract

cattle from shadows at night. Harmonicas, fiddles, and a jew's harp were cattle from shadows at night. Harmonicas, fiddles, and a jew's harp were often stowed in a cowboy’s saddlebag. Only in the movies does the often stowed in a cowboy’s saddlebag. Only in the movies does the cowboy usually sing around the campfire.cowboy usually sing around the campfire.

A cowboy worked 15 hours a day for $.80 a day. A cowboy worked 15 hours a day for $.80 a day. Son of a Gun stew was the favorite meal (beans, cattle Son of a Gun stew was the favorite meal (beans, cattle

liver, kidney meat, cattle brains and intestines.) liver, kidney meat, cattle brains and intestines.) Cowboys didn’t actually kiss their horses, they were Cowboys didn’t actually kiss their horses, they were

actually licking the sweat off the cleanest part of the actually licking the sweat off the cleanest part of the horse for it liquid and salt content due to the extreme horse for it liquid and salt content due to the extreme summer heat of the American Southwest.summer heat of the American Southwest.

When describing the cowboy's way of life, J.C. Funas When describing the cowboy's way of life, J.C. Funas wrote in his book, The American'swrote in his book, The American's, , " He seldom had the " He seldom had the opportunity to bathe or wash his clothing; there were usually vermin opportunity to bathe or wash his clothing; there were usually vermin in the bunkhouses of the ranch. On the trail, his diet consisted in the bunkhouses of the ranch. On the trail, his diet consisted principally of beans, grease and tough meat. The trail boss got up principally of beans, grease and tough meat. The trail boss got up first, usually at 3 A.M. Then the cook would boil the coffee until a first, usually at 3 A.M. Then the cook would boil the coffee until a pistol would float on it while he prepared breakfast. The average pistol would float on it while he prepared breakfast. The average working day began before dawn and ended after sunset. The working day began before dawn and ended after sunset. The average cowboy's wage was $25 a month, often spent in a few days average cowboy's wage was $25 a month, often spent in a few days in a cow town at the end of a long trip. Then the cycle would begin in a cow town at the end of a long trip. Then the cycle would begin all over again."all over again."

Cowboy Myth

Hack writers churned out hundreds of books focusing on the Hack writers churned out hundreds of books focusing on the cowboy who overcomes the "savage Indian" and wins love cowboy who overcomes the "savage Indian" and wins love in the end. in the end.

When cowboy productions took to the stage, Buffalo Bill became When cowboy productions took to the stage, Buffalo Bill became an international celebrity. Buffalo Bill's productions an international celebrity. Buffalo Bill's productions featured real cowboys who were skilled at riding and featured real cowboys who were skilled at riding and herding cattle, but showed no regard for the true nature of herding cattle, but showed no regard for the true nature of cowboy lifecowboy life

Instead, it presented a Western spectacle in twenty acts that Instead, it presented a Western spectacle in twenty acts that included trick shooting by Annie Oakley and a living included trick shooting by Annie Oakley and a living tableaux of the "Phases of Indian Life." The program tableaux of the "Phases of Indian Life." The program concluded with "The Attack on Settler's Cabin," in which concluded with "The Attack on Settler's Cabin," in which Buffalo Bill defeats a group of "marauding Indians."Buffalo Bill defeats a group of "marauding Indians."

““Cowboys and Indians”- Books and movies made the Cowboy Cowboys and Indians”- Books and movies made the Cowboy look brave, independent (the lone rider) and the Indian look brave, independent (the lone rider) and the Indian shifty and dangerousshifty and dangerous

Famous Cowboys• Sally SkullSally Skull"The Two Gun Terror". Horse trader, champion The Two Gun Terror". Horse trader, champion

cusser, trail boss, and wife to many. Sally Skull growled a command cusser, trail boss, and wife to many. Sally Skull growled a command and people moved. Her men couldn't decide which was harsher, her and people moved. Her men couldn't decide which was harsher, her black handled whip or her tongue. They worked from sunup to when black handled whip or her tongue. They worked from sunup to when the shadows stretched long over the prairie, yet she never cracked a the shadows stretched long over the prairie, yet she never cracked a smile. Tough and tireless, this horse woman envied no man "Sally smile. Tough and tireless, this horse woman envied no man "Sally Skull belonged to the days of the Texas Republic and afterward. She Skull belonged to the days of the Texas Republic and afterward. She was notorious for her husbands, her horse trading, freighting, and was notorious for her husbands, her horse trading, freighting, and roughness." And her death remains as much a mystery as most of roughness." And her death remains as much a mystery as most of her life.her life.

• Nat LoveNat Love He was a cowboy in the wild west. He was born a slave He was a cowboy in the wild west. He was born a slave

in Davidson County, Tennessee. After his fathers death , he was in Davidson County, Tennessee. After his fathers death , he was about 15. A few days later he gathered his belongings and headed to about 15. A few days later he gathered his belongings and headed to Dodge City, Kansas to work as a cowpuncher for $30 a month. After Dodge City, Kansas to work as a cowpuncher for $30 a month. After a few months there he headed north for a cowboy competition in a few months there he headed north for a cowboy competition in Deadwood City, South Dakota. Love was excellent in everything! He Deadwood City, South Dakota. Love was excellent in everything! He succeeded in roping, tying, bridling, and wrestling in 9 minutes flat, succeeded in roping, tying, bridling, and wrestling in 9 minutes flat, the closest competitor was 14 minutes. Next he had the marksman the closest competitor was 14 minutes. Next he had the marksman competition, he shot 15 out of 15 shots with a rifle at 250 yards. The competition, he shot 15 out of 15 shots with a rifle at 250 yards. The crowd was so impressed they gave him the nickname that would have crowd was so impressed they gave him the nickname that would have followed him for a lifetime....' Deadwood Dick '!followed him for a lifetime....' Deadwood Dick '!

Nat LoveNat Love

Famous Cowboys• Calamity JaneCalamity Jane- Martha Jane Canary (1848-1903) was born

in Princeton, Missouri. This hard drinking woman wore men's clothing, used their bawdy language, chewed tobacco and was handy with a gun. She traveled from Arizona through the Dakota territories during her rough life. At her death, the "White Devil of the Yellowstone" was remembered as a saint by the citizens of Deadwood, where she helped nurse the sick during a smallpox plague. She is buried near Wild Bill Hickock at Deadwood, South Dakota.

• Bill Pickett- Bill Pickett- oldest of 13 children, was the son of a oldest of 13 children, was the son of a

former slave. The most famous Black rodeo performer. credited former slave. The most famous Black rodeo performer. credited with inventing the rodeo event called bulldogging, also known as with inventing the rodeo event called bulldogging, also known as steer-wrestling, in 1903. In 1971, he became the first African-steer-wrestling, in 1903. In 1971, he became the first African-American cowboy to be inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame. American cowboy to be inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame.

• Annie Oakley- Annie Oakley- She could handle a rifle or a She could handle a rifle or a

six-gun with an artistry unsurpassed by that of any human being six-gun with an artistry unsurpassed by that of any human being before her time or, probably, since. And when she appeared with before her time or, probably, since. And when she appeared with Sitting Bull and other notables in Colonel Cody's Wild West Sitting Bull and other notables in Colonel Cody's Wild West Show, she thrilled your father and mother -- not as Phoebe Anne Show, she thrilled your father and mother -- not as Phoebe Anne Oakley Moses but as "Little Sure Shot," the immortal Annie Oakley Moses but as "Little Sure Shot," the immortal Annie Oakley.Oakley.

Calamity JaneCalamity Jane

Bill PickettBill Pickett

Annie OakleyAnnie Oakley

Famous Cowboys• Wild Bill Hickock- Wild Bill Hickock- James Butler James Butler

Hickok was born in Troy Grove, Illinois, on May 27, Hickok was born in Troy Grove, Illinois, on May 27, 1837, and was shot dead in a saloon in Deadwood, 1837, and was shot dead in a saloon in Deadwood, Dakota Territory, on August 2, 1876. Famous for his Dakota Territory, on August 2, 1876. Famous for his lethal gun skills, as well as his professional gambling, lethal gun skills, as well as his professional gambling, he was a U.S. town marshal who unsuccessfully tried he was a U.S. town marshal who unsuccessfully tried show business for a while after he got fired from his show business for a while after he got fired from his marshal job for shooting more than just bad guys. The marshal job for shooting more than just bad guys. The cards that Hickock was holding, two black eights, two cards that Hickock was holding, two black eights, two black aces and the Jack of diamonds, is now known as black aces and the Jack of diamonds, is now known as the "dead man's hand".the "dead man's hand".

• Wyatt Erp- Wyatt Erp- Wyatt Earp is best known as Wyatt Earp is best known as

the fearless frontier lawman of Wichita and Dodge the fearless frontier lawman of Wichita and Dodge City, Kansas, and as principal survivor of the Gunfight City, Kansas, and as principal survivor of the Gunfight at the OK Corral. Among his enduring legacies as at the OK Corral. Among his enduring legacies as frontiersman, lawman, gambler and prospector, a post frontiersman, lawman, gambler and prospector, a post office near his Mojave Desert mining claims along the office near his Mojave Desert mining claims along the Colorado River on Route 62 bears the name -- "Earp, Colorado River on Route 62 bears the name -- "Earp, California 92242."California 92242."

Cowboys in the Movies• Just as it seemed America was growing tired of Just as it seemed America was growing tired of

Buffalo Bill's Western stage show, the motion Buffalo Bill's Western stage show, the motion pictures were born. Tom Mix, who had been a pictures were born. Tom Mix, who had been a real cowboy, began his movie career in 1909 real cowboy, began his movie career in 1909 with Ranch Life in the Great Southwest. After with Ranch Life in the Great Southwest. After demonstrating his trick-riding skills, Mix won demonstrating his trick-riding skills, Mix won a part in the movie as a bronco buster.a part in the movie as a bronco buster.

• Gilbert M. Anderson created the character of Gilbert M. Anderson created the character of "Broncho Billy," whose popularity led to a "Broncho Billy," whose popularity led to a series of 375 western films made between 1908 series of 375 western films made between 1908 and 1915, many of them made at Chicago's and 1915, many of them made at Chicago's Essanay movie studios. Both the Tom Mix and Essanay movie studios. Both the Tom Mix and Broncho Billy films typically followed a Broncho Billy films typically followed a melodramatic plot in which the star battled melodramatic plot in which the star battled

outlaws and won the affections of a lovely girl.outlaws and won the affections of a lovely girl.

Pony Express• The "Pony Express" was the next The "Pony Express" was the next

importantimportant enterprise organized enterprise organized and put into operation on the and put into operation on the "desert." It made its first trip in "desert." It made its first trip in April, 1860, and continued its April, 1860, and continued its flying runs across the continent flying runs across the continent twice a week between the Missouri twice a week between the Missouri river and Sacramento. The pony river and Sacramento. The pony express lasted only nineteen express lasted only nineteen months, from April 3, 1860 to months, from April 3, 1860 to October 24, 1861. October 24, 1861.

• The pony express ended when the The pony express ended when the telegraph first crossed the telegraph first crossed the continent in November, 1861.continent in November, 1861.

• Financially, the owners spent Financially, the owners spent $700,000 on the Pony Express and $700,000 on the Pony Express and had a $200,000 deficit. The had a $200,000 deficit. The company failed to get the million company failed to get the million dollar government contract dollar government contract because of political pressures and because of political pressures and the outbreak of the Civil War.the outbreak of the Civil War.

Pony Express• Riders: Between 80 and 100Riders: Between 80 and 100

• Salary: $100 per month Salary: $100 per month

• Qualifications: Age ranged from 11 to mid 40s. Riders had to weigh less than 125 lbs. One of the most famous was Buffalo Bill CodyQualifications: Age ranged from 11 to mid 40s. Riders had to weigh less than 125 lbs. One of the most famous was Buffalo Bill Cody

• Youngest Rider: Legend has it that Bronco Charlie Miller was eleven years old when he rode for the Pony Express. Youngest Rider: Legend has it that Bronco Charlie Miller was eleven years old when he rode for the Pony Express.

• Riders Changed: 75 to 100 miles. Riders Changed: 75 to 100 miles.

• Horses Changed: 10 to 15 miles. Horses Changed: 10 to 15 miles.

• Speed of Rider: Average 10 miles per hour. Speed of Rider: Average 10 miles per hour.

• Horses: About 400 Mustangs and Morgans Horses: About 400 Mustangs and Morgans

• Stations: Estimated between 150 and 190 of them. Located every 5 - 20 miles. Stations: Estimated between 150 and 190 of them. Located every 5 - 20 miles.

• Mochila: Saddlebag designed especially to carry mail on the eastern end were made by Israel Landis. Mochila: Saddlebag designed especially to carry mail on the eastern end were made by Israel Landis.

• Route: 1966 miles from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California. Crossed Missouri River by Ferry boat, at the foot of Francis Route: 1966 miles from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California. Crossed Missouri River by Ferry boat, at the foot of Francis Street.Street.

Time: 10 days. Time: 10 days.

• Quickest Run: 7 days and 17 hours. The riders were carrying President Lincoln's Inaugural Address. Quickest Run: 7 days and 17 hours. The riders were carrying President Lincoln's Inaugural Address.

• Total Miles Covered: Approximately 650,000 miles. Total Miles Covered: Approximately 650,000 miles.

• Longest Ride: Pony Bob Haslam. rode 370 miles -- Friday Station to Smith Creek Station and back again. Longest Ride: Pony Bob Haslam. rode 370 miles -- Friday Station to Smith Creek Station and back again.

• Cost of Mail: $5 per 1/2 ounce at first. Later, the price was $1 per 1/2 ounce. Cost of Mail: $5 per 1/2 ounce at first. Later, the price was $1 per 1/2 ounce.

Wild West – 2:55 min.Wild West – 2:55 min.

Prairie FarmersPrairie Farmers

Life on the PrairieLife on the Prairie

Great American Desert

It was a broad expanse of territory, and embraced most of the country It was a broad expanse of territory, and embraced most of the country lying west of the Missouri river now known as Oklahoma and the lying west of the Missouri river now known as Oklahoma and the Indian Territory, Kansas and Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Indian Territory, Kansas and Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and all of Colorado lying east of the foot-hills of the Rocky and all of Colorado lying east of the foot-hills of the Rocky Mountains. Mountains.

Its area embraced about 500,000 square miles, aggregating 320,000,000 Its area embraced about 500,000 square miles, aggregating 320,000,000 acres. acres.

A great portion of this supposedly "unexplored region" was, in those A great portion of this supposedly "unexplored region" was, in those early days, by many people believed to be one of the most worthless early days, by many people believed to be one of the most worthless sections of country in the western world. Isections of country in the western world. I

t was known to be inhabited by various tribes of Indians, while the t was known to be inhabited by various tribes of Indians, while the shaggy bison and other wild animals roamed undisturbed over the shaggy bison and other wild animals roamed undisturbed over the boundless area.boundless area.

Great American Desert

Prairie lands were advertised in Prairie lands were advertised in handbills that drew people handbills that drew people West. Settlers on the prairie West. Settlers on the prairie had their picture taken and had their picture taken and wrote letters describing their wrote letters describing their lives. Journalists and lives. Journalists and magazine writers published magazine writers published stories about their travels stories about their travels through the frontier.through the frontier.

Oregon Trail – 1:05 min.Oregon Trail – 1:05 min.

Homesteaders• For forty years, homesteaders For forty years, homesteaders

had passed over the western had passed over the western prairies on their way to better prairies on their way to better land, but now even this rough, land, but now even this rough, arid soil was desirable, thanks arid soil was desirable, thanks in part to railroad company in part to railroad company advertisements that described advertisements that described it as lush farmland and to a it as lush farmland and to a growing belief that settlers growing belief that settlers had actually changed the had actually changed the onetime "Great American onetime "Great American Desert" by plowing the earthDesert" by plowing the earth.

Buffalo• The number of buffalo in the great West in the 1800’s was The number of buffalo in the great West in the 1800’s was

roughly estimated at from ten to twenty millions. For roughly estimated at from ten to twenty millions. For years a goodly portion of the meat consumed by those years a goodly portion of the meat consumed by those early settlers was cut from the carcass of the noble, shaggy early settlers was cut from the carcass of the noble, shaggy animal which so long existed as monarch. of the plainsanimal which so long existed as monarch. of the plains

• The principal article of fuel found on the frontier for The principal article of fuel found on the frontier for cooking the meat of the buffalo was the dried excrement of cooking the meat of the buffalo was the dried excrement of the animal, known in early Kansas and Nebraska parlance the animal, known in early Kansas and Nebraska parlance as "buffalo chips." as "buffalo chips."

• The buffalo was one of the noblest of all animals. It The buffalo was one of the noblest of all animals. It seemed indispensable. It furnished man with an seemed indispensable. It furnished man with an abundance of the most wholesome meat; the hide was abundance of the most wholesome meat; the hide was made into shoes and garments worn during the day, and it made into shoes and garments worn during the day, and it made a comfortable bed and supplied warm covering in or made a comfortable bed and supplied warm covering in or out of doors at night.out of doors at night.

• The greatest slaughter of the beasts was in 1872-'74, when, The greatest slaughter of the beasts was in 1872-'74, when, it was estimated, the number slain ran up into the it was estimated, the number slain ran up into the millions.millions.

William F. Cody

• The most conspicuous person engaged in The most conspicuous person engaged in the great buffalo slaughter was the the great buffalo slaughter was the intrepid scout and Indian fighter, Col. intrepid scout and Indian fighter, Col. William F. Cody, who has been more William F. Cody, who has been more familiarly known as "Buffalo Bill." In familiarly known as "Buffalo Bill." In 1867, when the Kansas Pacific railroad 1867, when the Kansas Pacific railroad was being built across the plains to was being built across the plains to Denver, Cody, then a young man, made Denver, Cody, then a young man, made a contract with the railway officials to a contract with the railway officials to keep its army of workmen supplied with keep its army of workmen supplied with buffalo meat. For doing this he received buffalo meat. For doing this he received $500 per month. He was engaged in this $500 per month. He was engaged in this work eighteen months, during which work eighteen months, during which time he killed an average of about eight time he killed an average of about eight a day--in all 4280 buffaloes; and this is a day--in all 4280 buffaloes; and this is how Cody became the renowned how Cody became the renowned "Buffalo Bill.""Buffalo Bill."

Homestead Act of 1962• The Homestead Act of 1862 has been called one The Homestead Act of 1862 has been called one

the most important pieces of Legislation in the the most important pieces of Legislation in the history of the United States. Signed into law in history of the United States. Signed into law in 1862 by Abraham Lincoln. 270 millions acres, or 1862 by Abraham Lincoln. 270 millions acres, or 10% of the area of the United States was claimed 10% of the area of the United States was claimed and settled under this act.and settled under this act.

• A homesteader had only to be the head of a A homesteader had only to be the head of a household and at least 21 years of age to claim a household and at least 21 years of age to claim a 160 acre parcel of land. Settlers from all walks of 160 acre parcel of land. Settlers from all walks of life including newly arrived immigrants, farmers life including newly arrived immigrants, farmers without land of their own from the East, single without land of their own from the East, single women and former slaves came to meet the women and former slaves came to meet the challenge of "proving up" and keeping this "free challenge of "proving up" and keeping this "free land". Each homesteader had to live on the land, land". Each homesteader had to live on the land, build a home, make improvements and farm for 5 build a home, make improvements and farm for 5 years before they were eligible to "prove up". A years before they were eligible to "prove up". A total filing fee of $18 was the only money required, total filing fee of $18 was the only money required, but sacrifice and hard work exacted a different but sacrifice and hard work exacted a different price from the hopeful settlers.price from the hopeful settlers.

The Soddie• Soddies- small houses with walls built of stacked Soddies- small houses with walls built of stacked

layers of uniformly cut turf. The individual layers of uniformly cut turf. The individual “bricks” of sod are held together by the thick “bricks” of sod are held together by the thick network of roots that made preparing fields for network of roots that made preparing fields for planting so very difficult. Sod was cut with special planting so very difficult. Sod was cut with special plows, or by hand, with an ax and/or shovel. plows, or by hand, with an ax and/or shovel. Roofs were made from timber, rough or planed, Roofs were made from timber, rough or planed, and covered with more sod. If timber was not and covered with more sod. If timber was not available, roofs were built up with twigs, available, roofs were built up with twigs, branches, bushes and straw. Soddies are practical branches, bushes and straw. Soddies are practical and tough, but vulnerable.and tough, but vulnerable.

• Soddies were built with several thicknesses of Soddies were built with several thicknesses of walls. Prairie turf was dirt cheap and the extra walls. Prairie turf was dirt cheap and the extra thickness evened out the environment of the little thickness evened out the environment of the little house. It was stronger too.house. It was stronger too.The walls also provided wonderful housing for The walls also provided wonderful housing for longtime prairie residents. Mice and snakes often longtime prairie residents. Mice and snakes often joined you.joined you.

Dugout

Sod House

Farms on the PrairieTo farm this land, settlers had to To farm this land, settlers had to chop and smash through the top chop and smash through the top layer of prairie to create tillable layer of prairie to create tillable soil.soil.

Sod was cut with a variety of Sod was cut with a variety of plows. During the mid-1800s, the plows. During the mid-1800s, the development of agricultural development of agricultural implements represented the implements represented the leading edge of technology.leading edge of technology.

The prairie grasses were cut, or The prairie grasses were cut, or hayed, before plowing. Horses hayed, before plowing. Horses were used to cut sod; oxen were were used to cut sod; oxen were just too slow. Some plows had just too slow. Some plows had curved moldboards that caused curved moldboards that caused the sod to have a more finished, the sod to have a more finished, “rolled” look on one edge. “rolled” look on one edge.

Farming Inventions• John Deere Steel PlowJohn Deere Steel Plow

– The plow was made of wrought iron and had a The plow was made of wrought iron and had a steel share that could cut through sticky soil steel share that could cut through sticky soil without clogging.without clogging.

• Barbed Wire- John GliddenBarbed Wire- John Glidden– When the legal battles were over, Joseph When the legal battles were over, Joseph

Glidden was declared the winner and the Father Glidden was declared the winner and the Father of Barbed Wire. The injuries provided of Barbed Wire. The injuries provided sufficient reason for the public to protest its use. sufficient reason for the public to protest its use. Religious groups called it "the work of the Religious groups called it "the work of the devil," or "The Devil's Rope" and demanded devil," or "The Devil's Rope" and demanded removal.removal.

• McCormick ReaperMcCormick Reaper• Dry Farming- Dry Farming-

– annual rainfall of approximately 15 to 20 inannual rainfall of approximately 15 to 20 in

– Dry-land crops must be either drought-resistant or Dry-land crops must be either drought-resistant or drought-evasive, i.e., maturing in late spring or fall; drought-evasive, i.e., maturing in late spring or fall; special varieties of crops such as wheat, barley, corn, special varieties of crops such as wheat, barley, corn, sorghum, and rye are often usedsorghum, and rye are often used

– WindmillsWindmills

Oklahoma Land Rush (also known as the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893)

• Sept. 16 1893Sept. 16 1893– 226-mile tract known as the Cherokee Strip226-mile tract known as the Cherokee Strip

– 1828, the U.S. government gave the land to the Cherokees1828, the U.S. government gave the land to the Cherokees

– 1883 the Cherokee Strip Livestock Association was formed and six million 1883 the Cherokee Strip Livestock Association was formed and six million acres were leased from the Cherokees. Seven years later, President Benjamin acres were leased from the Cherokees. Seven years later, President Benjamin Harrison ordered the ranchers to remove all cattle from the Strip.Harrison ordered the ranchers to remove all cattle from the Strip.

– They came to the land that would be Oklahoma by train, horseback, wagon They came to the land that would be Oklahoma by train, horseback, wagon and on foot, from every state and territory in the nation and abroad.and on foot, from every state and territory in the nation and abroad.

– Homesteaders were to pay a filing fee ranging from $1.00 to $2.50.Homesteaders were to pay a filing fee ranging from $1.00 to $2.50.

– At noon September 16, 1893, a shot rang out and more than 100,000 At noon September 16, 1893, a shot rang out and more than 100,000 determined settlers raced for 42,000 claimsdetermined settlers raced for 42,000 claims

– Boomers-Boomers- whites who moved illegally into Indian territory of Oklahoma whites who moved illegally into Indian territory of Oklahoma

– Sooners-Sooners-Originally the word "Sooner" meant a person who had illegally Originally the word "Sooner" meant a person who had illegally crossed the border of Oklahoma's Unassigned Lands before they were crossed the border of Oklahoma's Unassigned Lands before they were officially opened for white settlement officially opened for white settlement

Range Wars

THE FENCE CUTTER WARSTHE FENCE CUTTER WARSFree range grazers became alarmed that barbed wire Free range grazers became alarmed that barbed wire fences would mean the end of their livelihood. Trail fences would mean the end of their livelihood. Trail Drivers were concerned their herds would be blocked Drivers were concerned their herds would be blocked from the Kansas markets by settler fences. Barbed wire from the Kansas markets by settler fences. Barbed wire fence development stalled. fence development stalled.

With landowners building fences to protect crops and With landowners building fences to protect crops and livestock, and those opposed fighting to keep their livestock, and those opposed fighting to keep their independence, violence occurred requiring laws to be independence, violence occurred requiring laws to be passed making wire cutting a felony. After many deaths, passed making wire cutting a felony. After many deaths, and uncountable financial losses, the Fence Cutter Wars and uncountable financial losses, the Fence Cutter Wars ended.ended.

Range Wars

• The Lincoln County War was a conflict between two entrenched factions The Lincoln County War was a conflict between two entrenched factions in in 19th century America's western frontier. The "war" was between a America's western frontier. The "war" was between a faction led by wealthy ranchers and another faction led by the wealthy faction led by wealthy ranchers and another faction led by the wealthy owners of the monopolistic general store in owners of the monopolistic general store in Lincoln County, New Mexico. . A notable combatant on the side of the ranchers was William Bonney A notable combatant on the side of the ranchers was William Bonney who is better known to history as who is better known to history as Billy the Kid. .

• William Tunstall was a wealthy 24-year old English cattleman, William Tunstall was a wealthy 24-year old English cattleman, banker and merchant who had employed Bonney as a cattle guard. Alexander and merchant who had employed Bonney as a cattle guard. Alexander McSween, a McSween, a lawyer; John Chisum, a cattleman with huge herds in the ; John Chisum, a cattleman with huge herds in the area; and Tunstall led a faction of roughnecks against another powerful area; and Tunstall led a faction of roughnecks against another powerful faction in the county that was led by two Irishmen.faction in the county that was led by two Irishmen.

• The Lincoln County War ended but tensions were still high between the The Lincoln County War ended but tensions were still high between the remnants of the two factions. Regulators lead by Bonnie to avenge the remnants of the two factions. Regulators lead by Bonnie to avenge the murder of Tunstall.murder of Tunstall.

End of the open range and the Cowboy• Too Many CattleToo Many Cattle- more and more cattle put out to feed on the - more and more cattle put out to feed on the

range.range.

• Bad WeatherBad Weather- 1886-1887- hard winter, dry summer and then - 1886-1887- hard winter, dry summer and then another hard winter. Wiped out whole herds.another hard winter. Wiped out whole herds.

• Farmers and fencesFarmers and fences- ranchers first tried to fence the open range - ranchers first tried to fence the open range and the farmers used the government to help get these lands and the farmers used the government to help get these lands freed up for them to fence. Barbed wire.freed up for them to fence. Barbed wire.

• Government interventionGovernment interventiongovernment allowed farmers to move - government allowed farmers to move in so ranchers could no longer graze cattle on open range., they in so ranchers could no longer graze cattle on open range., they had to buy grazing land. This led to better cattle breeds, more had to buy grazing land. This led to better cattle breeds, more food, water, pastures divided up.food, water, pastures divided up.

• RailroadsRailroads- were aggressively expanding. No need for long cattle - were aggressively expanding. No need for long cattle drive, cowtowns; rails linked cattle country to midwestern drive, cowtowns; rails linked cattle country to midwestern slaughterhouses.slaughterhouses.

unit i – an industrial nation chapter 5 section 1 – the american west cowboys, ranchers and...

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