Cowboys and vaqueros usually worked for ranches. In Spanish, we say "ranchos" so that's what the vaqueros called where they worked.
Ranching played a very important role in Texas history, even before Texas was a state. Back when Texas belonged to Spain, missions and presidios survived by ranching. All those wild longhorn made for plenty of cattle to round up and put on a ranch. Plus wild horses, called mustangs, ran here, too.
Two very special ranches gained fame in Texas history: The King Ranch and the X.I.T.
The King Ranch
The King Ranch is in south Texas. That's at the bottom of the state.
Today, the King Ranch is the biggest cattle ranch in the whole world! The vaqueros who work there have a special name: "Kineños."
Cowboys from the X.I.T. Ranch in the Panhandle of Texas in 1891
The X.I.T. Ranch
In the 1880's the X.I.T. Ranch was the largest fenced ranch in the world – with 3 million acres! It used to go from Lubbock all the way up to Oklahoma. Whoa, Buckaroo!
The X.I.T. shut down in 1963.
Certainly! I've got a good grip on the history and culture of cowboys, vaqueros, and ranching. Let's break down the concepts from the article:
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Cowboys and Vaqueros: These individuals were skilled ranch hands, known for their expertise in handling cattle and horses. Cowboys were more commonly associated with American ranches, while vaqueros hailed from Spanish or Mexican traditions.
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Ranches (Ranchos): These were large land areas where cattle and horses were raised, and the primary workplace for cowboys and vaqueros. In Spanish-speaking regions, ranches are often referred to as "ranchos."
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Texas History and Ranching: Ranching was pivotal in Texas even before it became a state. During the Spanish ownership of Texas, missions and presidios sustained themselves through ranching activities, utilizing the abundance of wild longhorn cattle and mustang horses.
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King Ranch: Situated in south Texas, the King Ranch stands as the largest cattle ranch globally. The vaqueros working here are known as "Kineños."
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X.I.T. Ranch: In the 1880s, the X.I.T. Ranch was the largest fenced ranch globally, sprawling across 3 million acres from Lubbock, Texas, up to Oklahoma. It ceased operations in 1963.
These ranches represent milestones in the history of ranching, each contributing significantly to the cattle industry and the development of the cowboy culture in Texas. Cowboys and vaqueros played crucial roles in the day-to-day operations, herding cattle and managing vast stretches of land.
Understanding the significance of these ranches and their contributions to the cattle industry sheds light on the rich history of ranching in Texas, showcasing its evolution from Spanish missions to the expansive operations of the King Ranch and X.I.T. Ranch.
