Branches Book

BRANCHES

harsh winter in 1886 and 1887, it was time for what was left of the industry to change. Cowboys were forced to settle down and, if they were lucky enough to be able to afford it, start their own ranches or work for someone else. Instead of herding, the former cowboy had to tend to the sick animals and keep the ranch in shape. There was occasional round up of cattle by the cowboys, however the industry was never the same. 19 Today, most people don’t know about the rise and fall of the golden age of cowboys; they don’t know the obstacles that cowboys faced. People today know them from their heroic portrayal in movies, rodeo, and their garb. Today, a cowboy's outfit is regarded for its aesthetic, but every part of their garb serves a function. The legendary hat was mainly used to guard a cowboy’s face from the sun but could also be used as a cup to scoop water or as a pillow if it was folded. The bandana tied around a cowboy’s neck could be used to cover their mouth or nose to protect them from dust. A vest provided some cover from cool weather and provided many pockets that could hold tobacco and cigarette papers or whatever the cowboy needed. The 2-inch high heeled boots didn't serve to make the cowboy appear taller, but instead helped them when roping a calf by digging into the ground. Chaparejos (chaps) protected the cowboys' legs from any hazards through their daily life. To finish off the outfit, cowboys also kept a six-shooter on themselves. 20 Modern society has glamorized cowboys, however their lives were exactly the opposite of that. They did gritty, hard work simply to get food from one place to another.

Works Cited

Abbott, E. C., and Helena H. Smith, eds. "Teddy Blue Abbott." PBS. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/ranchhouse/pop_teddyblue.html.

Foner, Eric, and John A. Garraty, eds. "Cowboys." History. http://www.history.com/topics/cowboys.

Hutson, Cecil Kirk. Texas Fever in Kansas 1866-1930 . Vol. 68 of Agricultural History . N.p.: Agricultural History Society, 1994. https://www.jstor.org/stable/3744450?seq=1#page_scan_tab_cont ents.

19 Foner and Garraty, "Cowboys," History. 20 Foner and Garraty, "Cowboys," History.

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