Medora in Billings County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Great Western Trail
Between 1874 and 1893, seven million 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 gathered around Matamoras, Mexico, and south Texas were then trailed north through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and on into Canada. These vast cattle herds established the Great Western Trail.
The first trail herd to reach North Dakota left from 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 1890’s thousands of cattle continued to come up the trail where they were treated to the rich prairie grasses on the endless plains.
Along with cattle came cowboys out of Texas 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 across our proud state.
Rotary Clubs along the Great Western Trail are setting markers identifying the trail along its course through the prairie states and Canada. Rotary District Governor Jim Ozbun, Dickinson, North Dakota, spearheaded the project in North Dakota to recognize this valuable and romantic era of our western history.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 46° 54.89′ N, 103° 31.605′ W. Marker is in Medora, North Dakota, in Billings County. Marker is at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Main Street, on the right when traveling west on 3rd Avenue. Marker is located at the Cowboy Hall of Fame. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Medora ND 58645, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cowboys (within shouting distance of this marker); Ralph “Doc” Hubbard (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bad Lands Cow Boy (within shouting distance of this marker); Joe Ferris General Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Tribute to the Civilian Conservation Corps (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); De Mores (about 300 feet away); Medora Stage and Forwarding Company (about 400 feet away); Hotel de Mores (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Medora.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 447 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 21, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.