Cattle on the Trail

After a roundup was completed, the cows were driven to the nearest railhead for transport to the slaughter house. Herding the cattle on trail drives required about ten cowhands to manage an average of 3,000 head of cattle from several ranches. Each of these cowhands performed specific jobs on the trail. The herd could spread out for miles on the trail, and it was up to the cowhands to keep the cows under control and moving towards their destination.

The herd needed to move slowly, allowing cattle to graze several hours each morning so they would not lose weight along the drive. Since the rancher was paid by the pound, the rule was never to let the beeves take a step in any direction but north. One of the cowhands' jobs on the trail drive was to ride behind the herd of cattle and push

The herd moved from sunrise until late afternoon covering about fifteen miles a day. At night, the cattle would sleep while night herders rode around them singing to keep them quiet. [See the diagram of Cattle Drive Crew]