The Great Western Cattle Trail began in southern Texas after Quanah Parker and the Comanches surrendered at Fort Sill in 1875. Because of the failing post-Civil War economy in Texas, ranchers developed a 1,000 mile trail to Dodge City, Ogallala, and other northern markets to gain rewarding profits. With faith in God, cowboys drove millions of Longhorns over prairie that had been conserved by the Plains Indians. In Indian Territory, the Comanches and other tribes became skilled diplomats and offered right of passage for beef from the cattlemen. Many of the human experiences called the Wild West that captured the interest of the world evolved along the Great Western Cattle Trail. As the trail ceased to be used and land openings began, settlers moved onto the Great Plains, and many descendants of old Greer County pioneers still live in southwest Oklahoma.