Oklahoma Academic Standard 3. The student will analyze the significant events and historic personalities contributing to the development of the state of Oklahoma.

Objective 3.7 Describe cowboy life and cattle drives as typified by experiences along such routes as the Chisholm Trail and the impact of Mexican ranching traditions on the cattle industry and cowboy culture.

In a Nutshell

The livestock business was and still remains a vital economic activity that employs many Oklahomans today. In addition, the routes of major cattle trails developed into major roads and highways still used by citizens of the region. Students should grasp a geographic (spatial) understanding of why these cattle trails developed, i.e. transporting livestock from large ranches in Texas to railroad hubs that would connect the region to meat-processors and consumers. Investigations of the contributions of early livestock entrepreneurs and businesses will help students understand the importance of livestock to the growth of our state's economy.

Teacher Actions 

Student Actions 

• Assist students in comparing two primary and/or secondary sources describing the challenges and experiences of life along a cattle drive.

• Ask geographic questions which help students develop mental mapping skills related to cattle trails, their sources, routes, and destinations.

• Assist students in generating possible reasons why trails were established along particular routes in relation to landforms and necessary natural resources.

• Describe how the movement of people and goods connected cultures and economic activities across regions and the entire nation. 

• Explain how individuals and groups contributed to the customs and success of the state's livestock business. 

• Identify and describe the lasting impact of entrepreneurs and laborers who helped shaped the rural culture of the 19^th century and continue to provide a unique identity to our state. 

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

•  routes of major cattle trails, such as the Chisholm, Shawnee, and Great Western

•  routes of key railroads such as the Santa Fe and Kansas Pacific

•  historical individuals such as Jesse Chisholm, Bill Pickett, Lucille Mulhall

•  Spanish terms in the cattle business, such as lasso, corral, rodeo 

• One major misconception is that cowboy life and practices on a cattle ranch developed from experiences on the American Great Plains; however, evidence points to the significant contributions of the Mexican cattle industry, including contemporary terminology such as lariat, rodeo, and lasso. This is an opportunity to highlight how ideas and customs transcend national borders and cultures, introducing the concept of economic interdependence and cultural diffusion. 

Instructional Resources

Access suggested instructional resources correlated to the learning standard and objective.