The Great Western Cattle Trail began around 1876 and, though not as well known as the Chisholm Trail, actually moved more longhorns to northern markets, an estimated 6-7 million. The last cattle drive on the Great Western Trail took place in 1894, when 9,000 head of cattle were driven to South Dakota. Today, the trail roughly parallels US Hwys. 183/283 N. The Great Western Cattle Trail was also the setting for the novel and TV show, “Lonesome Dove.”