The Civil War stopped almost all plans to market the range cattle, and the close of that war found the vast grazing lands of Texas covered fairly with millions of cattle which had no actual or determinate value.

They were sorted and branded and herded after a fashion, but neither they nor their increase could be converted into anything but more cattle.

The cry for a market became imperative.
Meantime the Anglo-Saxon civilization was rolling swiftly toward the upper West.

The Indians were being driven from the Plains.

A solid army was pressing behind the vanguard of soldier, scout, and plainsman.