Question

After the Civil War, many freed slaves became cattle ranchers. Cattle ranchers at the time could use open-range ranching, or ranching on free government lands. Why was this type of ranching so popular?

Answer 1

The described type of ranching was popular because the ranchers did not need to own their own lands.

Explanation:

• The free open lands offered by the government could be used by anyone for letting their cattle graze on them.

• These lands stretched over long areas and made great pastures with an abundant supply of fodder.

• The ranchers did not have to pay to the government for grazing their cattle on such lands.

• The free of cost availability of such an important resource required for rearing dairy animals motivated more and more freed slaves to practice ranching.