Why did cattlemen build ranches in the Great Plains?
They wanted to be closer to the rail yards and cow towns.
The Great Plains were close to the western states.
The Great Plains were close to the eastern states.
They wanted to be farther away from the rail yards and cow towns.
The correct answer is: They wanted to be closer to the rail yards and cow towns.
The cattlemen built ranches in the Great Plains primarily because it was close to the rail yards and cow towns. This proximity allowed them easy access to transportation and markets for their cattle.
The correct answer is: They wanted to be closer to the rail yards and cow towns.
Cattlemen built ranches in the Great Plains because they wanted to be closer to the rail yards and cow towns. This decision was influenced by practical reasons and economic considerations.
To understand why, let's break it down further:
1. Rail yards: Railroads played a crucial role in the transportation of cattle and the growth of the cattle industry. By building ranches near rail yards, cattlemen could easily transport their cattle to markets and slaughterhouses in different regions. This proximity to rail yards helped reduce transportation costs and made it more efficient to distribute cattle products.
2. Cow towns: Cow towns were settlements or trading centers where cattle were herded, bought, sold, and shipped. They emerged along the cattle trails that connected the ranches of the Great Plains to railheads and markets. These cow towns provided essential services like cattle auctions, slaughterhouses, and supply stores for the ranchers. By locating their ranches nearby, cattlemen could take advantage of the economic opportunities provided by these cow towns.
3. Economic considerations: By being closer to rail yards and cow towns, cattlemen could maximize the potential profits from their cattle operations. They could quickly sell and transport their cattle, which allowed for quicker turnover and reduced the risk of losses due to disease or market fluctuations. The proximity also facilitated access to necessary resources and services, such as veterinary care, supplies, and a ready market for their livestock.
Therefore, cattlemen chose to build ranches in the Great Plains to be closer to the rail yards and cow towns, which provided easier access to transportation, markets, and essential services for their cattle operations.