The First Recorded Cattle Imported from Mexico into what is modern day United States occured in 1540

The first recorded cattle crossing into the United States from Mexico is a significant moment in the history of the American cattle industry. This event marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between the two countries, as Mexican cattle became an important source of beef for the United States.

The first recorded cattle crossing occurred in 1540 when Spanish explorer Francisco Vazquez de Coronado led an expedition from Mexico into what is now the southwestern United States. Along with soldiers and missionaries, Coronado brought with him a herd of cattle, which he intended to use as a source of food for his troops and settlers.

The cattle were a breed known as the Spanish or Criollo breed, which had been developed in Spain and brought to Mexico by the conquistadors. The Criollo breed was well-suited to the harsh conditions of the Mexican desert, where they had evolved over hundreds of years to be hardy and resilient.

As the expedition traveled northward, the cattle were used not only for food but also for their hides and tallow. The hides were used to make leather goods, while the tallow was used for candles and soap. The cattle proved to be a valuable resource for the expedition, and they soon became an essential part of the Spanish colonial economy in the region.

Over the years, Mexican cattle continued to be imported into the United States, with many ranchers in Texas and other western states beginning to raise and breed the Criollo cattle. The breed was well-suited to the harsh conditions of the American Southwest, where they thrived on the open range and provided a source of food and other resources for settlers.

Today, Mexican cattle continue to be an important part of the American beef industry. While there are concerns about disease transmission and job loss, the importation of Mexican cattle has helped to supplement the beef supply in the United States and keep prices affordable for consumers. The long and fruitful relationship between the two countries, which began with the first recorded cattle crossing in 1540, continues to this day, as Mexican cattle play a vital role in the American cattle industry.

By Teto Medina Wallace