Ellsworth, Kansas Cattle Trail
The story of the Ellsworth, Kansas Cattle Trail is a fascinating glimpse into the tumultuous and transformative era of the American West. It speaks of ambition, opportunity, and the sometimes-unpredictable nature of economic booms in the burgeoning cowtowns that dotted the Kansas landscape. This trail, a vital artery in the vast network of cattle routes, emerged from the shifting dynamics of the cattle trade, particularly the waning popularity of Abilene as a primary shipping point.
In 1872, Abilene, Kansas, once proudly hailed as the "Queen of the Cowtowns," effectively closed its doors to the Texas cattle trade. Several factors contributed to this decision. The burgeoning town faced growing discontent among its residents due to the raucous behavior of cowboys, the ecological damage inflicted by massive herds of Longhorns, and the pervasive threat of Texas Fever, a disease carried by the cattle that decimated local livestock. This created a void, an opportunity for other ambitious settlements to step in and seize a piece of the lucrative cattle market.
Enter Ellsworth, Kansas, a town strategically located approximately 60 miles southwest of Abilene. Recognizing the opportunity presented by Abilene’s withdrawal, prominent residents of Ellsworth ventured southward along the well-trodden Chisholm Trail. Their mission was simple: to entice Texas cattlemen to redirect their herds towards Ellsworth, promising a welcoming atmosphere and efficient shipping facilities.
The previous year, Ellsworth had already begun to experience the benefits of the cattle trade, having successfully shipped around 30,000 head of cattle. However, 1872 marked a turning point. As word spread about Ellsworth’s open-door policy and convenient location, the town experienced a surge in cattle traffic. An estimated 220,000 Texas Longhorns lumbered up the Chisholm Trail, diverting towards Ellsworth and transforming the town into a bustling hub of activity. This influx of cattle brought with it economic prosperity, transforming Ellsworth from a quiet settlement into a vibrant and energetic cowtown. The Ellsworth, Kansas Cattle Trail was quickly becoming a crucial pathway for the cattle trade.
The Kansas Pacific Railway Company, recognizing the immense potential of this shift in cattle routes, played a pivotal role in further solidifying Ellsworth’s position. Under the guidance of William M. Cox, the railway’s General Livestock Agent, the company surveyed and established a new offshoot of the Chisholm Trail. This strategic maneuver shortened the journey for cattle drovers by approximately 35 miles, offering a significant advantage in terms of time and resources. The new route branched off from the original Chisholm Trail in Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma), specifically at a point midway between the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River and Pond Creek.
From this junction, the trail traversed northward, crossing the Arkansas River at Ellinwood, Kansas, before finally reaching its destination in Ellsworth. This new route, often referred to as Cox’s Trail or simply the Ellsworth Trail, was most commonly known as the middle branch of the Chisholm Trail. Its establishment not only facilitated the movement of cattle but also further cemented Ellsworth’s reputation as a vital shipping point. The impact of the Ellsworth, Kansas Cattle Trail on the region was undeniable.
However, the path to prosperity was not without its challenges. In 1867, Kansas had enacted a law establishing a quarantine, effectively prohibiting the entry of southern cattle into the state due to the prevalence of "Texas Fever." This disease posed a significant threat to local cattle populations, and the quarantine was intended to prevent its spread. However, Joseph G. McCoy, the visionary entrepreneur who had previously established the cattle market in Abilene, successfully lobbied the state government to relax the enforcement of the quarantine. McCoy argued that the high demand for cattle justified the risk, and his influence proved persuasive.
Despite the potential threat of the quarantine, Ellsworth’s town promoters assured the Texas cattlemen that they would be exempt from the law. While technically, Ellsworth was located slightly inside the quarantine line, the law was largely ignored, contributing to the town’s rapid growth. The booming cattle trade transformed Ellsworth into a typical Kansas cowtown, complete with its share of saloons, gambling halls, and the sometimes-unruly behavior of cowboys. Like other cowtowns, Ellsworth earned a reputation for being a "wicked" place, a wild and untamed frontier settlement. The allure of the Ellsworth, Kansas Cattle Trail drew people from all walks of life, seeking fortune and adventure.
Despite its initial success, the prosperity of Ellsworth as a major cattle shipping point was ultimately short-lived. By 1875, the cattle trade had begun to shift elsewhere, and Ellsworth’s shipping pens were finally closed. Several factors contributed to this decline, including the westward expansion of the railroads, the establishment of new shipping points further west, and the increasing enforcement of quarantine laws.
The story of the Ellsworth, Kansas Cattle Trail serves as a microcosm of the larger narrative of the American West. It illustrates the dynamic interplay between economic opportunity, technological innovation, and the ever-changing landscape of the frontier. While Ellsworth’s reign as a major cattle shipping point was brief, its impact on the region and its contribution to the history of the cattle trade remain significant. The Ellsworth, Kansas Cattle Trail, though no longer active, continues to resonate as a reminder of a pivotal era in American history.