[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 147 (Friday, September 20, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H5530-H5531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 WESTERN CATTLE TRAIL 150TH ANNIVERSARY

  (Mr. MANN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

[[Page H5531]]

  

  Mr. MANN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a milestone in 
American history. In the aftermath of the Civil War, longhorn cattle 
ran free in Texas, and markets in the East had a dire need for beef. To 
meet that need, the Nation called on young cowboys to gather the wild 
cattle and move them north to the railroads in Kansas.
  They brought the cattle to stockyard towns like Abilene, Wichita, and 
Ellsworth. As cattle diseases moved west, cattlemen needed another 
route to bring cattle north, and in 1874, the Western Trail was 
pioneered along Kansas prairies.
  According to Kansas historians, the Western Cattle Trail would last 
longer, carry more cattle, and cover a greater distance than any other 
trail. These historic cattle drives set the stage for today's modern 
beef industry where the Big First District is the number one district 
for beef production in the country.
  On November 1 and 2, the Western Cattle Trail and International 
Chisolm Trail Association will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the 
Western Cattle Trail in Dodge City.
  I commend those celebrating the history of cattle trails, while 
giving thanks to the farmers, ranchers, stockmen, and communities who 
continue the cowboy tradition while helping feed the world.

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