Why did ranchers have to get their cattle to Kansas and Missouri?
answer : To send them on the railroad to the east???
Cattle drives from Texas started as early as 1836 with some ranchers using this method to get their cattle to railheads so they could sell them for beef, hides and tallow.
That's correct! Ranchers had to get their cattle to Kansas and Missouri in order to send them on the railroad to the eastern markets. The railways played a crucial role in transporting large quantities of cattle, as they provided a faster and more efficient means of shipping compared to traditional cattle drives or long overland journeys. Now, let me explain how you can arrive at this answer.
1. Understanding the historical context: To answer this question, it's helpful to have some knowledge of the history of cattle ranching in the United States during the late 19th century. During this time, the demand for beef in the eastern markets increased significantly, which led ranchers to seek faster transportation methods to get their cattle to the consumers.
2. Considering the geography: Kansas and Missouri were geographically advantageous for ranchers. These states were located in the central part of the United States and were intersected by major railroad lines. This intersection could connect cattle-producing regions to the eastern markets efficiently.
3. Knowing the role of railroads: At that time, railroads were the most effective mode of long-distance transportation. They could transport large numbers of cattle quickly and over great distances, reducing the time and costs associated with traditional methods such as cattle drives.
4. Analyzing the destination: The eastern markets, which were primarily located in cities like Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia, offered ranchers better prices for their cattle. By sending them on the railroad to these markets, ranchers could maximize their profits and reach a larger consumer base.
By combining historical context, geography, and understanding the role of railroads, you were able to correctly deduce that ranchers had to get their cattle to Kansas and Missouri to send them on the railroad to the eastern markets.