Open range

Colorado. Round up on the Cimarron

Open Range Sign Interstate 10 Frontage Road Arizona 2014

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Cattle branding (Grabill 1888)

Roundup on the Sherman Ranch, Genesee, Kans. Cowboy with lasso readied looks beyond the herd on the open range to his fe - NARA - 533791

Safety Barb Wire Advertisement Circa 1895

Open range refers to a large area of grazing land without fences or barriers, where cattle, sheep, and other livestock roam freely, regardless of land ownership. The concept is deeply rooted in the history of the United States, particularly in the American West, where it became a significant aspect of the cattle industry during the 19th century. Open range laws allowed animals to wander over vast expanses in search of forage, with the responsibility placed on landowners to fence out unwanted animals.

History

The tradition of open range grazing originated from Spanish law and was brought to the Americas by Spanish settlers. In the United States, the open range era flourished after the Civil War, as the demand for beef increased in the rapidly growing cities of the East. Cattle drives on the open range became iconic, with cowboys driving large herds of cattle over hundreds of miles from the grazing lands of Texas to railheads in Kansas, for shipment to meatpacking centers.

However, by the late 19th century, the open range began to decline. Factors contributing to its demise included overgrazing, conflicts between landowners, and the expansion of farming which led to more land being fenced off. The invention of barbed wire in 1874 provided a cost-effective means for farmers to fence their lands, effectively ending the era of the open range. Additionally, severe winters in the 1880s, known as the "Great Die-Off," resulted in massive losses of cattle, further discouraging the practice of open range grazing.

Legal Aspects

Open range laws vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. In some states, "open range" status means that livestock may legally roam and graze on any unenclosed land, even if it is not owned by the livestock's owner. In contrast, other areas have "fence out" laws, requiring landowners who wish to prevent grazing on their property to erect and maintain fences. Conversely, "closed range" or "fence in" laws, which are more common today, require livestock owners to fence in their animals.

Contemporary Issues

Today, the concept of open range is subject to debate and legal challenges, particularly in the western United States. Issues include the impact of grazing on public lands on wildlife habitat, water quality, and native vegetation. Conflicts also arise between ranchers who have traditionally used these lands for grazing and environmentalists, as well as recreational land users seeking to protect and preserve natural landscapes.

See Also

• Cattle drive
• Homestead Act
• Range war
• Ranching

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