Click on the Range

The largest cattle drive in history is often attributed to the drive conducted by Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving in 1866. This drive, known as the Goodnight-Loving Trail, was a significant event in the history of the American West and the cattle industry.

Key Facts about the Drive:

1. Origin and Destination: The cattle drive began in Texas and aimed to reach Fort Sumner in New Mexico, covering approximately 2,000 miles.

2. Number of Cattle: While exact numbers are hard to pin down, they are estimated to have driven around 2,000 to 3,000 head of cattle during this journey.

3. Historical Impact: This cattle drive helped establish the Goodnight-Loving Trail as a major route for cattle drives in the following years. It also demonstrated the feasibility of driving large herds of cattle over long distances to reach new markets and military outposts.

4. The Route: Route: The trail began in central Texas, near Fort Belknap, and extended northwest through the Llano Estacado, crossing into New Mexico near Fort Sumner. From there, it continued northward into Colorado, ending at the railheads in Denver. The trail covered roughly 2,000 miles.

5. The Death of Oliver Loving: In 1867, during a cattle drive on the trail, Oliver Loving was mortally wounded by Comanche warriors. He succumbed to his injuries at Fort Sumner. Charles Goodnight honoured Loving's dying wish to be buried in Texas, and he transported Loving's body back to Weatherford, Texas, where he was laid to rest.