The cattle breed that became a symbol of the Texas frontier because of its long horns and hardiness was the Texas Longhorn.
Texas Longhorns descended largely from cattle brought to North America by Spanish colonists. Over generations, cattle living in the open ranges of Texas developed traits that helped them survive heat, drought, sparse forage, and long distances. Their distinctive horns could span several feet from tip to tip.
After the Civil War, Texas ranchers drove enormous herds north toward railheads and markets. Longhorns were especially valuable because they could travel well and required relatively little care on the trail. Their association with cattle drives helped make them one of the defining animals of the American West.
The breed nearly disappeared after barbed-wire fencing, rail transport, changing ranch practices, and the spread of improved beef breeds reduced the demand for traditional trail cattle. Conservation efforts later helped preserve it.