The 1866 cattle trail linking Texas ranches with railheads in Missouri was the Shawnee Trail.
The Shawnee Trail was an older route used to move cattle north from Texas before the Chisholm Trail became dominant. It crossed the Red River and continued through Indian Territory toward Missouri, where cattle could reach rail connections and northern markets. The route was also known by names including the Texas Road and Sedalia Trail in different periods.
Large cattle drives became possible after the Civil War because Texas had enormous herds but limited local markets. Herds were driven north to avoid low Texas prices and reach railheads, where cattle could be shipped to cities such as St. Louis and Chicago.
The trail’s use declined when settlers and farmers objected to cattle traffic and disease concerns, especially fears surrounding Texas fever. The Chisholm Trail later became the best-known route for Texas drives, but the Shawnee Trail was an important predecessor and helped establish the pattern of long-distance cattle movement.