Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Are They Bison or Buffalo?

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 22, 2021

1. Are They Bison or Buffalo? Marker

Inscription. Depends on whom you ask. Scientifically, American bison are not buffalo; true "buffalo" are only found in Africa. Culturally, the names bison and buffalo are both correct. When European explorers first came to North America, they called the giant creatures a variety of names—including bisonte, buffes and buffles. As our culture developed, the name buffalo stuck. Today, both names are accepted.

Erected by Smithsonian Institution.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Colonial Era • Exploration.

Location. 38° 55.901′ N, 77° 3.137′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Smithsonian National Zoo. It is on Olmsted Walk 0.3 miles east of Connecticut Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC 20008, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

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in the Tidewater,

and in the Chesapeake Bay Region.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Meet Our Bison (here, next to this marker); Bison and the Land (a few steps from this marker); And Then There Were (Almost) None (a few steps from this marker); Bison and the National Zoo (a few steps from this marker); The Scoop on Poop (within shouting distance of this marker); From Collecting to Breeding (within shouting distance of this marker); Feeding Times at the Zoo (within shouting distance of this marker); It's Our 125th Birthday! (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Meet Our Bison (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 22, 2021

2. Are They Bison or Buffalo? Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 192 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.