Cattle Trails
The cattle trails were established by the herds of cattle being driven from south Texas to the railroads in Kansas and to points further north as well. The cattle drives caused a growth in commerce in Indian Territory. As the cowboys trailed their herds along these routes, they bought and traded for goods and services along the way. Usually the cowboys paid with money, but occasionally they paid with cattle. These trades put cattle and money into the hands of people in Indian Territory. They could then use that money to spend on other things. This process made jobs and opportunities for a more comfortable and secure life in Indian Territory.
Information provided by Walter Eskridge, Curator of Education