Pioneer Life Texans on Farms and Ranches p

Texas Life Centers Around Farming Most Texans farmed or raised livestock. Most Texans farmed or raised livestock. Cash crops were sold to raise money so that Texans could buy things that they could not make themselves. (Cotton and sugarcane) Cash crops were sold to raise money so that Texans could buy things that they could not make themselves. (Cotton and sugarcane) Food products that are eaten on the farm where they are grown are called subsistence crops. (corn) Food products that are eaten on the farm where they are grown are called subsistence crops. (corn) Both men and women worked hard on Texas farms. Both men and women worked hard on Texas farms.

Ranches Flourish It was relatively easy for new settlers to get into the cattle business. It was relatively easy for new settlers to get into the cattle business. Herds of wild cattle roamed much of South and East Texas. Herds of wild cattle roamed much of South and East Texas. The region’s climate was well suited for livestock, and the abundant grass helped the cattle population multiply. The region’s climate was well suited for livestock, and the abundant grass helped the cattle population multiply. While most of the planters and ranchers were men, women also owned and managed plantations. While most of the planters and ranchers were men, women also owned and managed plantations.

Settlers Establish New Towns Some towns, like Marshall and Jefferson, were built along transportation routes. Some towns, like Marshall and Jefferson, were built along transportation routes. Towns were created to serve as seats of government for newly created counties. Towns were created to serve as seats of government for newly created counties. A few settlements were founded to take advantage of natural resources. Example, Grand Saline, a salt mine. A few settlements were founded to take advantage of natural resources. Example, Grand Saline, a salt mine. In southeastern Texas, towns were often located along rivers. In southeastern Texas, towns were often located along rivers. South Texas grew slowly as the region was exposed to raids by Native Americans, Mexicans and Anglo Desperadoes. South Texas grew slowly as the region was exposed to raids by Native Americans, Mexicans and Anglo Desperadoes.