Question

Which of the following factors encouraged ranchers to begin building closed-range ranches in Oklahoma? A. fewer settlers claiming lands in the territory B. more railroads making long cattle drives less necessary C. fewer opportunities existing to sell cattle nearby D. more open territory and empty grazing lands being available

Answer 1

Oklahoma lands have always provided a combination of nutritious grasses and productive grain farms to the cattle industry. In the late 1880s, the open range reached to an end. Ranchers began to build closed-range ranches in Oklahoma since more railroads had made long cattle drives less necessary (Option B is the correct answer). Not only did the railroads allow the transport of cattle, but also it brought homesteaders and sheepherders to the plains. Besides, those homesteaders plowed up the prairie and enclosed the plains with barbed wire. At the same time, cattle ranchers started to fence huge tracts for their own use. As a result, conflicts between ranchers and homesteaders over land and water rights began to arise.