How did the era of long drives develop on the Great Plains?

The era of long drives on the Great Plains developed in the late 19th century due to the booming demand for beef in Eastern markets following the Civil War. Cattle ranchers in Texas began driving their herds northward along established trails, such as the Chisholm Trail, to railheads where cattle could be shipped to urban centers. This practice was facilitated by the vast open lands of the Great Plains, which allowed for the grazing of large herds. The long drives significantly contributed to the cattle industry and shaped the economic landscape of the American West.