By 1867, over 100 posts were scattered throughout the West. As the Indian wars ended after 1870, these posts were rapidly abandoned. The army's supplies were carried by boats, steamboats, ox and mule trains, pack mules and horses and later by railroads, which stimulated the development of trade, farming and ranching.
By 1867, over 100 posts dotted the West. After the Indian wars ended in 1870, these posts were quickly abandoned. The army's supplies were moved westward using boats, steamboats, ox and mule trains, pack mules and horses, and eventually railroads, which spurred economic growth in trade, farming, and ranching.