In 1873, following the arrival of the railroad, Great Bend became a shipping point for cattle. This stimulated local business but also transformed the city into a rowdy, violent cowtown. In 1876, the Kansas Legislature extended the legal "dead line" restricting the presence of Texas cattle 30 miles west of Barton County. The cattle trade moved westward accordingly, and the city became more peaceful.
In 1873 following the arrival of the railroad Great Bend became a shipping point for cattle This stimulated local business but also transformed the city into a rowdy violent cowtown In 1876 the Kansas Legislature extended the legal "dead line" restricting the presence of Texas cattle 30 miles west of Barton County The cattle trade moved westward accordingly and the city became more peaceful