Who were 2 groups of settlers who moved into Texas Great Plains after the Civil War? b. Why did they come to Texas? Provide at least 2 reasons why they moved to Texas and settled on the Great Plains.
Two groups of settlers who moved into Texas Great Plains after the Civil War were the ranchers and the farmers.
The ranchers came to Texas and settled on the Great Plains for the following reasons:
1. Abundance of open and fertile land: The Great Plains provided vast stretches of open prairie land that was ideal for grazing cattle. The ranchers saw an opportunity to establish large-scale cattle ranching operations and profit from the growing demand for beef in the expanding markets of the post-Civil War era.
2. Access to water sources: Many rivers and streams ran through the Great Plains, providing a reliable source of water for the cattle. This was crucial for the ranchers as it allowed them to maintain large herds of cattle and support their business.
The farmers also migrated to Texas and settled on the Great Plains due to the following reasons:
1. Homestead Act of 1862: This federal law offered settlers 160 acres of public land for a small fee or for free, provided that they improve and cultivate the land. This attracted farmers who were looking for affordable land to start their own agricultural enterprises.
2. Promise of fertile soil: The Great Plains had fertile soil that was suitable for growing crops, especially wheat. Many farmers sought to take advantage of the fertile land to establish successful agricultural operations and meet the increasing demand for food in post-war America.