Which of the following was a significant feature of the cattle drives?

The significance of cattle herding during the cattle drives lies in its central role in the economic development of the American West. After the Civil War, there was an increased demand for beef in the eastern United States, leading to large-scale cattle drives from Texas to railheads in Kansas, where cattle could be transported to markets. This movement not only helped meet the growing demand for beef but also contributed to the establishment of new towns and infrastructure along the routes.

Cattle herding involved skilled cowboys who managed the herds over long distances, often facing harsh weather and difficult terrains. This labor-intensive process was essential in the transformation of cattle ranching into a major industry, helping to shape the culture and economy of the western frontier. Other elements like barbed wire and mining operations were relevant to the West's development but were not as directly linked to the cattle drives themselves as cattle herding was.