Cattle drives were a common practice in the 19th century, particularly in the United States, where ranchers moved large herds of cattle from grazing areas to markets or railheads. These drives often covered long distances, sometimes hundreds of miles, and could take several weeks to complete. Cowboys, skilled horsemen, played a crucial role in guiding and protecting the herd during the journey. The most famous cattle drives occurred along routes like the Chisholm Trail and the Goodnight-Loving Trail. These trails connected Texas ranches to railroads in Kansas, facilitating the transport of beef to growing urban markets. Cattle drives were essential for the beef industry and contributed to the expansion of the American West.