What Is the Origin of Longhorn Cattle?

The Texas Longhorn is one of the most recognizable cattle breeds in America, marked by their sinister expressions and long cattle horns. The longhorn has been traced back to a mix of Spanish and English breeds. Throughout history, this cattle has proved to be very hardy, surviving the elements as well as near extinction.

  1. Cattle Introduced to America

    • The first Spanish cattle were brought to the Americas in 1493, during Christopher Columbus' voyages. During American colonization, the English also brought cattle to the Americas and both these breeds are the ancestors of all American cattle.

    Rise of Texas Longhorn

    • Spanish cattle bred and roamed Mexico for several hundred years before meeting with other mongrel breeds. As these cattle bred they created the Texas Longhorn, which could be found in Mexico, Texas and the land that made up the Louisiana Purchase.

    Wild Cattle

    • In the 1880s and throughout the Civil War, Texas Longhorns continued to breed without the assistance of man. Wild herds could be found throughout Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. After the Civil War, the market for these cattle in Texas had declined and cattle ranchers began to drive them north on long trails.

    Decline of Population

    • Texas Longhorns were hardy trail animals and moved north with few problems. However, these cattle produced less tallow than their English counterparts. Tallow was the driving force of the cattle market in the early 20th century, so longhorns were no longer favored. By the 1920s, the longhorn cattle population was nearing extinction.

    Resurrgance of Population

    • In 1927, the federal government asked two cattlemen, Will C. Barns and John H. Hatton, to set up federal herds to save these animals from going extinct. Two federal herds were set up at the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Reserve and the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Reserve. The State of Texas also created a private herd.

    Longhorns Today

    • Today, the longhorn population continues to grow because cattle ranchers are breeding their own strains of the Texas Longhorn. Associations like Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America, protect the history of these animals and continue to encourage cattle ranchers to raise Longhorn herds. Currently, longhorns are used for beef because they produce excellent meat.