Grand Meadow Township in Mower County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Buffalo Nation/Ṭaṭaŋka Oyate
Photographed by McGhiever, October 5, 2025
1. Buffalo Nation / Ṭaṭaŋka Oyate Marker
Millions of American bison, or "buffalo," roamed these prairies 700 years ago, at the peak of quarrying activity.
Uses of Buffalo/Tatanka Tanned Hides: Bags, Bedding, Clothing, Tipi Covers, Robes
Buffalo Chips: Diaper Powder, Fuel for Fires
Tail: Decorations, Fly Swatters, Medicines, Whips
Fat: Cooking, Cosmetics, Soap, Tanning
Raw Hides: Clothing, Containers, Drums, Masks, Pouches, Quivers, Rafts, Snowshoes
Meat: Jerky, Pemmican, Sausages, Ribs
Organs: Cooking vessels, Food, Medicines, Paints, Sinew, Tanning Agents, Water Containers
Bones: Arrows, Dice, Eating Utensils, Fleshing Tools, Hoes, Jewelry, Knives, Shovels, War Clubs
Hooves/Claws: Glue, Rattles, Spoons, Wind Chimes
Horns: Arrows, Cups, Fire Carriers, Headdresses, Spoons, Toys
Skulls/Teeth: Ceremonial Altar, Decoration, Masks for Dances
Abuffalo was like a walking hardware store, clothing store, and supermarket, all in one.
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People relied on the buffalo. The hide became clothes, tipis, lodges, drum skins and warm robes. The bones were turned into spoons, jewelry, toys, and hoes for digging. The hair was twisted into ropes or bracelets. The meat was dried to feed their community through the winter. Buffalo provided nearly everything that people needed, but only if they had hunting weapons, butchering knives, and hide scrapers — tools made from chert.
Photographed by McGhiever, October 5, 2025
2. Buffalo Nation/Ṭaṭaŋka Oyate Marker on the south edge of the Grand Meadow Chert Qua
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.
Location. 43° 43.602′ N, 92° 35.3′ W. Marker is near Grand Meadow, Minnesota, in Mower County. It is in Grand Meadow Township. It can be reached from 730th Avenue, on the right when traveling north. The marker is on the self-guided interpretive trail around the south edge of the Grand Meadow Chert Quarry. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 25578 730th Avenue, Grand Meadow MN 55936, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Minnesota. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Everything is Related/Mitakuye Owas'iŋ (within shouting distance of this marker); Not Just a Quarry/De Maḳa Ok'e Ecéedaŋ Héc̣a Ṡni (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Quarry Story/Maḳa Ook'e Wóyakapi Kiŋ Dée (about 300 feet away); The Perfect Spot (about 300 feet away); Grand Meadow Chert Quarry/Wanhi Yukan (about 300 feet away); A Truly Grand Rock (about 300 feet away); Rock Stars/Waŋhi Icaptuġe (about 400 feet away); Those Who Came Here/Ehaŋnah Tuweweka Ded Hípi? (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Meadow.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 6, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
