Tracks Across the Land

Opportunity:  Ranching

Chuch Wagon Campsite
Chuck Wagon Campfire
Chuck Wagon Cook
ChuckWagon
Range Wars

     After the removal of the Indians & the buffalo in the late 1870's, cattlemen entered this area to pasture their great herds on the open range.  Characteristics of these early ranching operations were long drives & round ups - "typical" cowboy work.   In 1876, Charles Goodnight brought the first cattle to the plains.  

     T.N. & J.W. Nunn were the first to settle in the Scurry County of Texas, bringing 1,500 cattle on October 30, 1877.  They knew J. Wright Mooar and Pete Snyder.  By this time there were few buffalo around, not enough to hunt.  Soon drift fences were strung to keep cattle from drifting too far during storms.  In 1884 through 1887, severe winter, a weak cattle market, and drought severely affected the cattle business  Cattle died, no grazing was found, and prices were down.  Homesteaders and farmers began moving into the area.  By 1900 ranchers had fenced their ranges & improved the herds.  Cattlemen and their families made an important economic and social contribution to this area.