A longhorn refers to a distinctive breed of cattle known for their impressively long, curved horns that can stretch up to seven feet from tip to tip. These hardy animals were perfectly suited to the harsh conditions of the American frontier. Texas longhorns descended from Spanish cattle brought to Mexico in the 1500s, and they eventually roamed wild across Texas in huge numbers.

In the late 1800s, cowboys drove massive herds of longhorns north from Texas to railroads in Kansas, sometimes traveling over a thousand miles on what became known as cattle drives. These journeys were grueling and dangerous, taking months to complete. Longhorns were ideal for these drives because they could survive on sparse grass, defend themselves against predators with those impressive horns, and walk enormous distances without wearing out.

When farmers began fencing the open range and people started preferring breeds that produced more meat, longhorns nearly disappeared. By the 1920s, only a few thousand remained. Conservation efforts saved them, and today they're recognized as a Texas icon and a living connection to the Old West.

The term can also refer to athletic teams at the University of Texas at Austin, whose mascot is a longhorn steer named Bevo.