Description
Cowboy cattle drives involve the process of moving a large herd of cattle from one location to another, often for purposes like taking them to market or grazing. The key steps in a cattle drive include gathering the herd, designating a trail boss for leadership, employing a team of cowboys to manage the cattle, embarking on a long journey that can span weeks, overcoming challenges like river crossings and adverse weather, reaching the final destination where the cattle are sold. In the context of Florida's history, cattle drives played a vital role. Florida was one of the earliest regions in the United States where cattle ranching became prominent. The Spanish introduced cattle to the area in the 1500s, and over the centuries, a rich cattle ranching tradition developed. Florida cowboys, used these cattle drives to transport herds from ranches to ports like Punta Rassa on the Gulf Coast or to other states. These cattle were often shipped to Cuba and Key West.