Why did cattlemen drive cattle from Texas to Kansas in the 19th century?

Cattlemen drove cattle from Texas to Kansas primarily because Kansas was strategically located along railroad routes that connected to major markets, particularly Chicago's meatpacking industry. During the late 19th century, the demand for beef surged in urban centers due to population growth and industrialization. Cattle drives took advantage of railroads to transport large quantities of cattle quickly and efficiently to these markets where they could be processed and sold.

This method of transportation enabled cattlemen to obtain better prices for their livestock, as opposed to selling them locally in Texas where the market was saturated. The completion of the railroads, like the Kansas Pacific Railway, made it feasible to drive cattle north, as the cattle could then be shipped to places where the demand for beef was much higher, ensuring greater profits for the ranchers.

In comparison, while beef production methods in Kansas may have become more efficient over time, the key factor was the access to markets rather than purely production methods. Similarly, while Texas may have had a significant cattle population, the local demand didn't match the burgeoning market in cities like Chicago, which was a primary destination for the beef being transported.