The first white settlers of the region were cattlemen. Cattle were introduced into the San Juan County-Blue Mountain area during the 1870s, and large numbers were placed on thousands of acres of lush grasses. Spud Hudson, who came in 1878, dominated the cattle industry until about 1883. Monticello endured several typical old west conflicts between cowboys and Indians, and the cowboy activities of imbibing and shoot 'em ups contrasted sharply with the Mormon culture of its more settled residents. Many of these cowboys came into San Juan from Texas to avoid the law. Some stayed in the county, developed their own cattle companies and other businesses, and became prominent citizens. The chuck wagon, an invention of Texas cattleman John Goodnight, was considered an ideal device and was widely copied throughout the West, carrying grub, water, pots and pans, medicines, other supplies, bedrolls, and a few personal possessions.