What is happening in these pictures?

9,000 of these cowboys were black. 35,000 cowboys herded cattle along western trails. 9,000 of these cowboys were black.

After the slaves were freed, many worked on Texas ranches. Others had already lived in Texas and herded cattle for their masters before they were freed.

Who is this famous black cowboy? Bill Pickett

Black and white cowboys had to work, eat, and sleep together. What is racial discrimination? Black and white cowboys had to work, eat, and sleep together. Racial discrimination still occurred.

But, black cowboys were treated much better on the range than anywhere else.

Black cowboys were skilled. Their ranch bosses valued their skills on the ranch. They were also talented bull riders and bucking broncos!

By the late 1890’s, there were railroads all over the country. How did this affect cattle drives and herding?

The era of the “Old West” and cowboys and cattle trails lasted about 20 years. It is remembered as a very unique time in America’s history!