The system entailed unfenced grazing lands where livestock, primarily cattle, roamed freely. This model of land use dominated the Great Plains and other western regions of the United States during the 19th century. Ranchers allowed their cattle to graze across vast expanses of public land, differentiating them through branding. Roundups occurred periodically to gather the animals for sorting, branding of new calves, and driving to market. The iconic image of cowboys herding cattle across the plains is intrinsically linked to this method of livestock management.
This approach to animal husbandry facilitated the rapid expansion of the cattle industry and played a crucial role in the economic development of the American West. It enabled ranchers to raise large herds at relatively low cost, capitalizing on the abundant natural resources. This system contributed significantly to westward migration, shaping the culture, and influencing the political landscape of the era. However, it also led to conflicts over land and resources, competition between ranchers and farmers, and environmental degradation due to overgrazing.
