The Cowboy and the Cattle Drive

Cowboys became the icon of the American West with the herding of cattle in cattle drives.  The cattle drive has been glamorized in Hollywood movies, but the truth is it was hard work, by the cowboy or cowgirl who daily braved the elements without time off.  These young Americans signed on to work "the drive" to help monetarily support their families. 

Cattle drives involved cowboys on horseback moving herds of cattle long distances to market.  It was a major economic activity in the American west, particularly between the years 1866 - 95, when cattle were herded from Texas to rail heads in Kansas for shipments to stockyards in Chicago and points east. (Wikipedia)

The Great Western Cattle Trail, also known as the Dodge City Trail and the Old Texas Trail, was utilized from 1874 for the movement of cattle to markets.  The trail began at Bandera, Texas and ended, most often, in Dodge City, Kansas.  The entire trail extended from southern Texas to the Canadian border.  Between 10 and 12 million cattle were driven north from Texas into Dodge City.  Not as popular as the Chisholm Trail, the Great Western Cattle Trail was situated to the west of the Chisholm Trail and ran parallel.

Blazed by rancher and trail driver, John Lytle, The Great Western Cattle Trail was the last great northern cattle trail.  The Great Western Trail was not as well documented as its counterpart, The Chisholm Trail. Cowboys who took to the trail, found the terrain decidedly more rugged and parched, with formidable barriers, such as the canyons in Texas, the Wichita mountains in Oklahoma Territory and the Great Basin in Kansas.  These obstacles of nature made the cowboys really earn their keep.

Enchanted Springs Ranch's 86 acres sits right on The Great Western Trail.  A visit to the ranch will take you back in time to the Old West as you roam the streets of the 1800's  town.  Riding on down to the springs, you'll find the herd of longhorns grazing in the pasture.  This ranch is unique, in its desire to replicate the Old West and keep the history alive, while teaching the truth about the cowboys or cowgirls that blazed the trail.  A day spent at Enchanted Springs Ranch, will make a memory that won't be forgotten in lifetime.