Richmond Chapt. 8 The Development of the Railroads

Richmond – Chapter 8
The Cattle Trade: Trail Herds, Towns, and Ranchers

We actually have talked about the cattle trails in Kansas already this year. I think that it was a hard concept for the kids to understand. But, they have a basic understanding of them for future learning. It was interesting to read about the social life of the trails and the cattle towns. It was amazing how the law worked and also how some of the people behaved. I never realized how much the cattle trails affected the economics and the building of Kansas. I always realized that the railroad played a part in the building of Kansas, but not the cattle. Life was hard for all. It would be good for the kids to realize that not only were there farmers/pioneers in Kansas but all walks of life!