* Location: Prices could fluctuate significantly between different regions of the United States (and even within states).
* Type of Livestock: Prices differed greatly between cattle, pigs, sheep, and horses.
* Quality: The age, breed, and health of the animal all affected its price.
* Market Conditions: Supply and demand, as well as local economic conditions, also played a role.
Here are some ways to get a general idea:
* Historical Data: Look for agricultural reports or price lists from 1866. These might be available through libraries, historical societies, or online archives.
* Secondary Sources: Historians or agricultural economists may have researched livestock prices during this period. Look for books, articles, or research papers on 19th-century American agriculture.
However, it's important to remember that these sources will likely provide general averages. To get a more precise idea of livestock prices in a specific location at a specific time, you would need to consult very local records, if they exist.