How Big Is Big In Texas? Looking At The Biggest Cattle Drive Ever
The Texas panhandle has a history full of surprises. You don't have to dig deep before you find amazing and oddball stories, all of which played a hand in forming the region. Recently, I came across the story of a Texas ranch that set an incredible record around 140 years ago. Of course, it would include an insane amount of cattle.
The Largest Cattle Drive On Record Happened In The Texas Panhandle
When you think of cattle drives, you might think back to the old westerns that used to be on the TV while you took your Sunday nap. You might even think of movies like City Slickers, the Billy Crystal classic where three city slicker buddies decide to take the vacation of a lifetime on a cattle drive. If you haven't seen it, you need to fix that. As quickly as possible.
In those movies, cowboys drive cattle across rugged terrain. The herds all look massive, but none can compare to the size of the herd that was pushed from about Tulia to around Canyon.
How Big Was The Herd In The Biggest Cattle Drive In Texas?
It's hard to wrap your head around. The answer to that question is a staggering 10,652 head. It was an incredible feat accomplished by the T Anchor Ranch. The drive took place on August 24, 1882.
Supposedly it took half a day to run the cattle through the frontline gate to be counted. Another incredible aspect of the tale is that it took one hour for a horse to circle the herd at a decent trot after they had bedded down for the night.
It's an incredible piece of Texas panhandle history, and you have to imagine the sight was something to behold. Over 10,000 head of cattle coming straight at you. It's unfathomable.
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Gallery Credit: Sarah Clark