Great Western Trail

Great Western Trail. . , Between 1874 and 1893, millions of head of cattle and horses went up the Great Western Trail from Texas through nine U.S. states into Canada. This famous trail lasted more years, carried more cattle, and was longer than any other cattle trail in the United States. The trail had a significant impact on the economy of the Western United States, assisting in the establishment of the ranching and livestock industry. , Longhorns were gathered around Matamoras, Mexico, and south Texas, and were then driven north through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, and on to Canada. These vast herds established the famous Great Western Trail, on which you stand today. , The first trail herd to reach North Dakota left Texas in 1884. A daring band of cowboys piloted a monster herd from the Rio Grande to the Little Missouri River. Until the decline of the trail’s use in the 1890s, millions of cattle and horses continued up the trail where they thrived on rich prairie grasses of the endless Plains. , Along with cattle came cowboys out of Texas and elsewhere who established ranches and helped grow North Dakota’s western heritage which is still strong and prosperous. From these romantic, wild days comes much of our rich western history that still thrives and is celebrated. , Rotary Clubs, the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, local groups and people interested in preserving North Dakota’s heritage and history banded together to mark this important trail for future generations.