We explore the surprising maritime history of Texas cowboys who swam thousands of cattle across open saltwater to reach Galveston Island's rich grazing lands. This forgotten chapter reveals how the Texas Gulf Coast played a vital role in building the cattle economy that helped shape the state. • Spanish and Mexican vaqueros created the original cowboy techniques that would become the foundation of Texas ranching culture • Galveston Island's salt-tolerant grasses made it ideal winter pasture,...