Track 6—Entering Bison Range

     When Europeans first reached North America, it is estimated that 50 million bison roamed the continent, from Oregon to the Carolinas and from Mexico to the Arctic.  The American bison differs from the buffalo of Europe, Asia, and Africa, but when first sited by Europeans they were called buffalo. Noticeable differences include the size, horns, and hair.

     As the United States expanded west, these colossus of the plains became a problem for settlers, large herds could stop trains for days,  Native Americans depended on them, and they were destructive to many structures. Once hides were being used as robes, hunters came to reap financial gain. A buffalo robe in 1850 sold as high as the equivalent of $300 today. The strong leather was used for drive belts in industrial revolution machinery. Even the bones had value as fertilizer, bone china, and feed supplement.

     By the 1890’s an estimated 1,000 bison were left. These small herds became the foundation for the saving of the species, even the ones you are hopefully about to see.