At the turn of the 20th century, the United States was a vastly different place than it is today. One of the most visible differences was the number of horses in the country. Horses were an integral part of the American economy and culture, and were used for all manner of tasks, from transportation to farming to recreation. But by 1900, the number of horses had begun to decline, due to the emergence of new technologies and the advent of the automobile. So, how many horses were in the US in 1900?
Number of Horses in the US in 1900
Accurately determining the exact number of horses in the US in 1900 is difficult, as census data from the period is incomplete. However, estimates suggest that there were approximately 21 million horses in the US in 1900. This number is significantly lower than the estimated 23 million horses that were in the US in 1890.
Reasons for Decline in Horse Population
The decline in the number of horses in the US in the late 19th and early 20th century can be attributed to a number of factors.
Emergence of New Technologies
The emergence of new technologies, such as the automobile, tractor, and motorized truck, created competition for the horse as a means of transportation and labor. Horses were also increasingly replaced by machines in farming and industrial labor.
Urbanization
Urbanization also played a role in the decline of the horse population. The growth of cities led to a decrease in the amount of open land available for grazing and stabling horses, and horses were increasingly replaced by automobiles and public transportation in urban areas.
Rise of the Automobile
The rise of the automobile was perhaps the most significant factor in the decline of the horse population. Automobiles provided a quicker, more efficient, and more comfortable mode of transportation than horses, and quickly gained popularity.
Decreased Use of Horses for Transportation
The decrease in the use of horses for transportation was also a contributing factor in the decline of the horse population. Horses were increasingly replaced by automobiles, buses, and trains for long-distance travel, and by bicycles and walking for short-distance travel.
Effects of Decline in Horse Population
The decline in the number of horses in the US had a profound impact on the economy and culture of the country.
Economic Impact
The decline in the horse population had a significant economic impact. Horse breeding and trade were two of the largest industries in the US at the time, and the decline in the number of horses led to a decrease in these industries. This, in turn, had a ripple effect on other industries, such as leatherworking, saddlery, and wagon-building, which also suffered due to the decline in horse population.
Cultural Impact
The decline in the horse population also had a significant cultural impact. Horses had been a part of American culture since the country’s founding, and had been used for recreation, such as racing and rodeos, as well as transportation and labor. With the decline in the horse population, many of these activities became less popular, and the traditional roles of the horse in American culture began to disappear.
Horse Breeds in the US in 1900
In 1900, there were a number of different breeds of horses in the US. Some of the most popular breeds included:
- Thoroughbred – This breed is known for its speed and endurance, and is used in racing and other sporting events.
- Quarter Horse – This breed is known for its agility and strength, and is used for ranching, riding, and racing.
- Standardbred – This breed is known for its speed and stamina, and is used in harness racing.
- Morgan – This breed is known for its intelligence, versatility, and good disposition, and is used for a variety of tasks, from riding to pulling carriages.
- Mustang – This breed is known for its hardiness and intelligence, and is used in ranching and recreation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number of horses in the US in 1900 was approximately 21 million, a significant decrease from the 23 million horses that were in the US in 1890. This decline can be attributed to the emergence of new technologies, urbanization, and the rise of the automobile. The decline in the number of horses had a significant economic and cultural impact on the US, and led to the disappearance of many traditional roles of horses in American culture.
References
- Byrne, E. (2016). The History of Horse Breeds in the United States. Retrieved from
https://www.thoughtco.com/horse-breeds-in-the-united-states-190872
- Elliott, D. (2018). What Was the Number of Horses in the United States in 1900? Retrieved from
https://www.reference.com/pets-animals/number-horses-united-states-1900-37e46d53f7c934e6
- US Census Bureau. (2018). Historical Census Records. Retrieved from
https://www.census.gov/population/www/censusdata/hiscendata.html