Near Bison in Garfield County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Buffalo Springs

On the Old Chisholm Trail. 1/3 mi West

1. Buffalo Springs Marker

Inscription. From this noted watering place came the name of "Bison," 1 mi. so., "Buffalo Springs" was the camp site of Pat Hennessey and his men just before they were massacred, 7 mi. so., July 4, 1874. Next day, a war band of Indians was stood off by ranchmen at the Springs. Crowds here made the Oklahoma "Run," April 22, 1889.

Erected by Oklahoma Historical Society and State Highway Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Oklahoma Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1974.

Location. 36° 12.898′ N, 97° 53.237′ W. Marker is near Bison, Oklahoma, in Garfield County. Marker is on U.S. 81, ¼ mile south of County Road E0550, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bison OK 73720, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Run of '89 North Boundary (approx. 3½ miles away); Jesse Chisholm (approx. 9.6 miles away); United States Land Office (approx. 12.3 miles away); Government Springs (approx. 12.3 miles away); Pioneers: Past, Present and Future (approx. 12.6 miles away).

Regarding Buffalo Springs.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

The town of Hennessey, OK, located 7 miles to the south of this marker, is named after Pat Hennessey.

2. Buffalo Springs Marker

One half mile due west of this location stood Buffalo Springs trading post, ranch, and stagecoach stand. This sketch of the ranch was made by Adolph Hunnius, a surveyor, in 1876. Buffalo Springs was a well-used stop for drovers and herds along this western trail variant. It was from this location that the ill-fated Hennessey Party departed on July 4, 1874, headed south along the Ft. Sill-Arkansas City wagon road despite warning of Indian hostilities in the area. A few miles south, the Party was attacked and killed.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2011, by Christopher Suttle of Norman, Oklahoma. This page has been viewed 1,186 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 19, 2011, by Christopher Suttle of Norman, Oklahoma. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A photo of the marker and the surrounding area in context. • Can you help?