1. Alyssa Gilbert Megan Ireland Christian Magana
Cowboys
Alyssa Gilbert
Megan Ireland
Christian Magana

2. Cowboys vs. Vaqueros
American Cowboys got their customs and traditions from Mexican Vaqueros.
Spurs, Chaps, Jerky, etc.

3. Popularity of Cowboy Work
Not popular until railroads reached the Great Plains
Did not leave home lands with cattle before civil war
Gained popularity during California Gold Rush
Cowboys work as it is known today started in Texas
Golden Age of the Cowboy:

4. Demand for Beef After Civil War, demand for beef grew
Due to rapid growth of cities
Texas ranchers shipped cattle by railroad through Sedalia, Missouri
Inflated price of beef in North
$4 in Texas would be $40 in North

5. Cowboy way of life Real Cowboys Movie Cowboys Seen as heroes
Worked hours on a ranch
14 or more on trails
As young as 15
Cattle drives lasted 3 months
25% African American and 12% Mexican
Cook, Trail boss, cattle per cowboy
Trail bosses earned $100+ per month
Starved cattle to make them stay with herd
Seen as heroes
Didn’t work long hours
No bosses
Didn’t herd cattle
Protected the land instead of cattle
Saloons

6. Longhorns
Vaqueros

7. Trails and Drives
Long Drive- The drive of cattle that lasted about three months
Chisolm Trail- Major cattle route from San Antonio, Texas through Oklahoma to Kansas.

8. Cowboys vs. Indians and Angry Farmers
Cattle trampled farm lands
1866- Angry farmers blocked cattle in Baxter Springs, Kansas
Cattle had to be sold at cut-rate prices and many died
Often attacked by Indians
Negotiations with Indians to bring cattle on the territory

9. Dangers Thunderstorms River Crossings Snakes and other animals
Lightning strikes
River Crossings
Drowning
Snakes and other animals
Stampede
Indian Attacks
Disease
Bacteria

10. Cowboys