Thomas Intermediate School

 

Cattle Drives in the Southwest

 

4th Grade Activity

 

Yippi-yi-ti-yay! Git along, little dogie! After the United States won a war against Mexico for territory reaching from Texas to the Pacific Ocean, the Southwestern region became an important part of our country. Many people moved there, Cattle ranching became an important industry. There was a great demand for beef in the Northeastern states. Ranchers had to have a way to get their herds to market. Cowboys helped move the cattle along trails to the railroad where they could be shipped East.

 

 

Ride along with the cowboys who traveled this route when you visit Along the Chisholm Trail. Look for the answers to these questions. If you can find all the information, you qualify as a cowboy! You may print out this sheet to record your answers if your teacher does not give you one.

  1. What is a dogie?
  2. List the three major cattle trails.
  3. What breed of cattle was popular on the cattle drives?
  4. How long could a herd travel in a day?
  5. How long did it take to complete the trail?
  6. The Chisholm Trail was named after Jesse Chisholm. Where was he born?
  7. What is inscribed on Jesse Chisholm's tombstone?

 

 

Read this description of what it was like to be a cowboy on the Chisholm Trail. Then, read this description of the various jobs and equipment on the trail. After you have read both, write a narrative of your imaginary adventures on the Chisholm Trail.

 

 

Teachers, check here for the answers to the Chisholm Trail questions, as well as the Standards for this lesson.

 

This activity was developed by Mary S. Pitner. pitnerm@ten-nash.ten.k12.tn.us

 

Return to the Thomas Intermediate School Homepage.