How did the westward expansion of the railroad change ranching in Texas?

The westward expansion of the railroad in Texas significantly transformed ranching by facilitating faster transportation of cattle to markets, particularly in the East. This connectivity allowed ranchers to access broader markets, leading to increased demand and higher cattle prices. Additionally, it enabled the establishment of cattle drives, as ranchers could more efficiently move large herds to railheads for shipping. Consequently, ranching became more commercially viable and contributed to the growth of the cattle industry in Texas.