The resolution commemorates the historical significance of the Blue River Cattle Trail, which extended from Abilene, Kansas, to Schuyler, Nebraska. This trail was utilized by Texas cattlemen who sought to meet the beef demand in northern states but inadvertently brought a fatal cattle disease that devastated local herds. In response to the challenges faced by these cattlemen, including quarantine measures and hostility from local populations, Joseph G. McCoy established Abilene as a railroad terminal to facilitate cattle drives. The trail ultimately led to economic growth in Schuyler, where cattlemen found relief and safety, although new laws later imposed fines for stray cattle, contributing to the decline of the Texas cattle business in the area.

The Nebraska Legislature recognizes the importance of the Blue River Cattle Trail in shaping the state's cattle industry and encourages citizens to celebrate and share its history. The resolution honors the contributions of historians who preserve this legacy and highlights the trail's role in establishing Nebraska as a significant player in the beef industry, with skills and traditions passed down through generations of cattle farmers.