In the year 1872, Wichita was in possession of the trade that Abilene had enjoyed for several years prior due to the completion of the Santa Fe railroad. This gave Wichita the needed railroad facilities. From 1867 to 1871 about 10,000 cars of livestock were shipped out of Abilene and in 1872 about 80,000 head of cattle were shipped from Wichita.
Wichita gained dominance over trade in 1872 when the Santa Fe railroad was completed, giving it access to railroads. This led to a significant increase in livestock shipments from Wichita, with about 10,000 cars leaving Abilene annually between 1867 and 1871, and around 80,000 head of cattle being shipped from Wichita in 1872.