The Great Bison Slaughter: A Dark Chapter in American History

For centuries, the bison was the lifeblood of numerous Plains nations. These majestic creatures provided sustenance, shelter, and tools, deeply intertwined with the cultures and survival of Indigenous peoples. However, the 19th century witnessed a systematic and devastating slaughter of the bison, orchestrated by the US government, with profound and lasting consequences.

The Bison's Central Role in Plains Societies

By the mid-1700s, many Plains nations had become highly reliant on the bison. They utilized every part of the animal:

• Meat: A primary food source.
• Hides: Transformed into winter coats, blankets, and dwellings.
• Bones and Horns: Crafted into essential tools.
• Sinew: Used as thread.

The bison was not merely a resource; it was integral to their way of life, their traditions, and their very identity.

The US Government's Strategy of Depletion

Following the American Civil War, a surge of US settlers began encroaching upon the Great Plains, driven by the desire to exploit its resources. This influx led to conflict with the Plains nations, who fiercely resisted the intrusion. The US government, under the leadership of figures like General William Sherman, sought to subdue the Indigenous population and confine them to reservations.

The strategy they employed was brutal in its simplicity: eliminate the bison, and you eliminate the Plains people's means of survival. As one US colonel chillingly stated, "Kill every buffalo you can! Every buffalo dead is an Indian gone.”

The Mechanics of Destruction

The US government's policy manifested in several ways:

• Unrestricted Hunting: Civilian hunters, driven by the booming demand for leather, were allowed to decimate bison herds without consequence. The military often provided protection and ammunition to these hunters.
• Treaty Violations: Treaties that prohibited civilian hunters from entering tribal territories were ignored.
• Deliberate Waste: Hunters often took only the hides and tongues, leaving the rest of the carcass to rot. Some even poisoned bison carcasses to collect wolf pelts, further contaminating the land.

The scale of the slaughter was staggering. Some hunters killed dozens of bison each day. The consequences were devastating.

The Plight of the Bison and the Plains Nations

As the bison population plummeted, the Plains nations faced starvation and were forced onto reservations. Humanitarian and animal rights groups protested the destruction, but their pleas were largely ignored. Even legislation to protect the bison was vetoed by the US President, underscoring the government's commitment to its destructive strategy.

By 1900, the bison population had dwindled from tens of millions to fewer than 1,000. The near-extinction of the bison represented a cultural and economic catastrophe for the Plains nations, a deliberate act of destruction that aimed to break their spirit and force their submission.

A Glimmer of Hope and a Path to Restoration

In the face of this devastation, some wealthy US citizens established bison preserves, which played a crucial role in saving the species from complete extinction. However, these preserves often came at the expense of further land taken from Native American reservations.

Today, the bison population has rebounded to around 500,000, with a majority residing on private ranches. More recently, Plains nations have begun reintroducing bison to tribal lands, seeking to heal the wounds of the past and restore their relationship with this iconic animal. This reintroduction is not just about ecological restoration; it is about cultural revitalization and reclaiming a vital part of their heritage.

The story of the bison slaughter is a stark reminder of the destructive consequences of greed, prejudice, and shortsighted policies. It is a chapter in American history that must be remembered and understood as we strive to create a more just and equitable future for all.