Winter of 1886–1887

Waiting for a Chinook, by C.M. Russell. Overgrazing and harsh winters were factors that brought an end to the age of the Open Range

The Winter of 1886–1887 was extremely harsh. Although it affected other regions in the United States, it is most known for its effects on the Western United States and its cattle industry. This winter marked the end of the Open Range era and led to the entire reorganization of ranching.

The winter began earlier than usual, in early November. The summer had been unusually hot and dry, with numerous prairie fires and water sources often dried up. In the fall, animals grew unusually heavy coats, consumed more food than usual and displayed abnormal behavior. Few people paid attention to this except for old-timers. When snow fell in the late fall, it was already too late. There was not enough time to prepare for the harsh conditions ahead.

Freezing temperatures killed humans and animals. In some instances, people got lost close to their houses and froze to death very close to their front doors. The loss of livestock was not discovered until spring, when a large number of cattle carcasses were spread across the fields and washed down streams.

The few remaining cattle were in poor health, being emaciated and suffering from frostbite. They were also very weak and could barely stand. This resulted in the cattle being sold for much lower prices. in some cases leading to bankruptcy. Also, the financial crisis occurred in the early 1890s. This and other circumstances during the aftermath exacerbated the situation and the cattle industry never recovered.

Future president Theodore Roosevelt's cattle ranch in Dakota was wiped out by the severe winter. This event prompted him to abandon his ranching operations and return to the Eastern United States to continue his political career.

The cold weather reached the West Coast, setting an all-time record of 3.7 inches of snow in downtown San Francisco on February 5, 1887.

References

• Briggs, Harold Edward, Ph. D. Frontiers of the Northwest. New York: Peter Smith, 1950