USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -In 1493, Christopher Columbus made his second voyage to the island of Hispaniola. He brought with him the first Spanish cattle and the precursors of the famed Texas longhorn . Through the 16th and 17th centuries, cattle ranching continued to spread north through Spanish Mexico and into the land now known as Texas.

Detailed explanation-2: -In 1821 Stephen F. Austin and a group of settlers came to Texas, and would create the market for what would become a mammoth cattle industry (Acuña, 7). The Texas-Mexico War of 1836 led to an increase in number of wild cattle.

Detailed explanation-3: -Texas just simply would not be Texas without the cattle industry, and the cattle industry in Texas would not be what it is today without the contributions of the man considered to be the best known rancher in Texas history, Charles Goodnight. Charles Goodnight was born on March 5, 1836 in Macoupin County, Illinois.

Detailed explanation-4: -Initially, the Franciscan priests were charged with caring for the livestock, earning them the title of first cattle ranchers in Texas. These livestock duties were later transferred either all or in part to the soldiers stationed at the mission.

Detailed explanation-5: -Cattle, just like horses, were first brought to America by the European invaders. By the 1850s, southern Texas was the major centre for cattle farming. The Texas longhorns were a breed that had developed from the original Spanish imports. They were very hardy and could survive on the open range in Texas.