What was the primary economic activity in Texas post-Civil War?

The primary economic activity in Texas after the Civil War was agriculture and cattle ranching. Following the war, Texas experienced significant changes as it transitioned from a war-torn economy to one that began to rebuild. The vast landscapes of Texas were well-suited for both crop production and cattle raising, which became central to the state's economy.

Agriculture flourished with the cultivation of cotton, which was in high demand, and many former slaves transitioned to sharecropping or tenant farming, contributing to the agricultural workforce. Cattle ranching also surged during this period, as railroads expanded into the region, allowing ranchers to transport beef to markets in the eastern United States.

This dual focus on agriculture and cattle ranching became the backbone of the Texas economy, setting the stage for continued growth and development throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The other economic activities like mining, manufacturing, and forestry, while present, did not have the same level of impact or prominence in post-Civil War Texas as agriculture and cattle ranching did.