With the purchases of western land in North America, the United States had gained a surplus of land. Since the West was new, it had new geological values such as precious metals and pastures great for cattle. Large quantities of people moved west to take advantage of this. The cattle industry was also great because of the species of the longhorn, which was very durable. With the West’s growth, a transcontinental railroad was built all around the United States. With this rise in the West, mining, railroads and cattle ranching affected the West as it sprouted into America. When settlers had found silver, gold, and valuable natural resources, people came from all over for a chance to gain wealth. One of the first towns to find these valuable resources …show more content…
It also is harmful to the miner’s lungs. Many of them died. Since the population was growing, food was needed and there was a greater demand for beef. This brought the cattle industry. People traveled west to start their own ranches. Longhorns are a popular breed which is used for its advantage in durability. It also well-suited the environment and dryness of Texas. Cattle trails make it easier for ranchers to manage their cattle. The cattle industry is massive and booming. An effect is that it became known as the “Cattle Kingdom.” Another effect is that the railroad ran through Abilene, which was a central market for the cattle industry. The workers who took care of the ranchers’ cattle became known as cowboys or cowhands. Many people had fights for land known as range wars. The industry was so big and there was such a conflict on land that the cows had eaten most of the prairie grass. During this time, there were harsh winters that financially ruined many ranchers. This brought the “Cattle Kingdom” to an end. As the West expanded, the need to send goods and information between the East and West increased. People wanted a transcontinental railroad to help the settlement of the West