Open Range: GCSE History Definition

What is open range?

In GCSE History, the open range was a large area of unfenced public land in the American West, mainly used for cattle ranching in the 19th century. 

Ranchers let their cattle roam freely, with cowboys rounding them up and driving them to markets or railway stations. The system thrived due to cheap land and high demand for beef. For example, the 1870s saw a “Beef Bonanza” in the West as people believed that ranching on the open range guaranteed profit. 

Why did the open range decline?

The open range declined in the late 19th century due to the Range Wars, the invention of barbed wire, harsh winters and overgrazing. The Range Wars between the cattle ranchers and the homesteaders resulted in violent disputes over grazing rights. Homesteaders fenced off their land with barbed wire to protect their farms. Resulting in fenced ranches and more controlled cattle farming and livestock management. 

The end of the open range brought significant changes to life in the American West, particularly for cowboys. With the introduction of barbed wire and fenced-off lands, large cattle drives became less common, forcing many cowboys to take on new roles as ranch hands, working fixed locations rather than roaming the vast open plains.

Open Range Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Explore our revision notes for Edexcel GCSE and AQA GCSE to see where open range fits into the revision notes for those specifications.

Explore Our GCSE History Revision Resources