Miners and Ranchers Chapter 8 Section 1
Growth of the Mining Industry The growing industries in the East needed the West’s rich deposits of gold, silver, and copper. In 1859, Henry Comstock staked a claim for a silver mine in Six-Mile Canyon, NV. This caused Virginia City to become a boom-town overnight.
During boom times, crime was a serious problem During boom times, crime was a serious problem. What was formed to fix this? How did the mining industry affect towns, cities, and the west?
Ranching and Cattle Drives After the war, many Americans began building large cattle ranches on the Great Plains. What helped the cattle ranching industry grow?
Open Range A vast area of grassland owned by the government. This is where Hispanic herders taught American cowhands their trade.
Texas Longhorn
What two developments made moving the cattle to eastern markets practical?
Long Drives Ranchers realized they could round up their cattle and drive them up north to make a profit.
What do you call stray cattle with no symbols on them?
Range Wars As ranching became a business, range wars became more common. This usually happened when farmers would block ranchers trail.
How did the invention of barbed wire affect the cattle industry?