The Day of the Cattleman

By Ernest Staples Osgood

Book Overview

"The Day of the Cattleman" is a seminal historical study that chronicles the rise and transformation of the cattle industry on the northern Great Plains. Ernest Staples Osgood provides a detailed and scholarly analysis of the range cattle business during its peak years in the late nineteenth century, exploring how the vast, unclaimed grasslands of the American West were converted into a powerhouse of commerce. The work meticulously documents the social and economic structures of the cattle frontier, from the early days of the open range and the legendary trail drives to the establishment of powerful cattlemen's associations.

Osgood examines the myriad challenges faced by stockgrowers, including fluctuating market demands, severe environmental hazards, and the inevitable conflict between the nomadic cattle industry and the encroaching tide of permanent settlement. By focusing on the institutional development of the industry, the book offers a nuanced look at how the "cattle kingdom" helped shape the legal and social landscape of the frontier. A foundational text for understanding the expansion of the United States, "The Day of the Cattleman" remains an essential resource for readers interested in the economic history of agriculture and the enduring legacy of the American West.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025508238
• ISBN13: 9781025508238
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 312 Pages
• Weight: 0.97 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.2" x 0.7" x 6.1"