The Texas Longhorn

The Texas Longhorn. . The legendary Texas Longhorn, the first uniquely American breed of cattle, has its roots in the blending of cultures and cattle during the heyday of the Republic of Texas from 1836 to 1845. Spanish Retinto cattle were introduced into the San Antonio valley in 1718., American colonists brought English cattle to the area in the 1820s. Significant among them were the tall, big boned, Bakewell Longhorn stock. These had been introduced into Virginia in 1783 but had fallen out of favor because they were not "good milkers." Much of the mixing of Spanish and "native American" cattle occurred as a result of the raiding of Mexican herds along the Nueces River in the 1830s. By 1840 the mixed-breed cattle were well known for their size and quality and were referred to as "Texas cattle" or "Texas Longhorns.", Two of this breed, Charley Goodnight's old "Blue" and Col. Jack Potter's "Randao," were famous lead steers which, after guiding numerous herds to railheads, would be returned to the ranch along with the chuck wagon and remuda.