The Cherokee Strip Live Stock Association: Federal Regulation and the Cattleman’s Last Frontier

Delve into the fascinating history of the American West with "The Cherokee Strip Live Stock Association: Federal Regulation and the Cattleman's Last Frontier" by William W. Savage, Jr. This meticulously researched and compellingly written book, now in its second edition, explores the complex relationship between cattle ranchers, federal regulation, and the indigenous population in the late 19th century Cherokee Strip. Beyond a simple chronicle of cattle drives and cowboys, Savage unveils the intricate power dynamics that shaped the American frontier. He examines the formation and operation of the Cherokee Strip Live Stock Association, a powerful organization of cattlemen who sought to control vast grazing lands in what is now Oklahoma. Savage expertly dissects how these cattlemen, driven by economic ambition, navigated (and often clashed with) federal policies designed to manage the land and its resources. This book provides a nuanced perspective on the challenges faced by cattlemen in a rapidly changing landscape. It sheds light on their struggles with drought, disease, and fluctuating market prices, while also exposing their sometimes ruthless pursuit of profit. Savage doesn't shy away from addressing the controversial aspects of the cattle industry, including its impact on the environment and its role in the displacement of Native American tribes. Specifically, the book delves into the impact of the cattle industry on the Cherokee, Creek, Seminole, Chickasaw, and Choctaw nations, whose territories were often encroached upon by cattlemen seeking grazing lands. Savage explores the complex legal and political battles that ensued as these tribes fought to protect their land rights and sovereignty. The book provides valuable insights into the ways in which federal policies, often contradictory and poorly enforced, both enabled and hindered the cattle industry while simultaneously impacting the lives of Native Americans. Furthermore, Savage provides crucial insights into the evolving role of federal regulation in the American West. He demonstrates how the government's attempts to manage land use, control livestock movements, and protect Native American interests ultimately shaped the development of the cattle industry and the frontier as a whole. "The Cherokee Strip Live Stock Association" is more than just a history of the cattle industry; it's a vital contribution to our understanding of the American West, federal power, and the complex interactions between different groups vying for control of land and resources. This paperback edition, published by the University of Oklahoma Press, offers a readable and accessible account of a pivotal period in American history. Whether you're a scholar of the American West, a student of Native American history, or simply a reader interested in the forces that shaped the nation, this book is sure to provide valuable insights and perspectives. William W. Savage Jr. was a specialist in Western and Native American history, this book represents decades of research and dedication to the subject matter. Don't miss the opportunity to add this classic work to your collection.