Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
And Then There Were (Almost) None
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 17, 2017
1. And Then There Were (Almost) None Marker
How many bison once roamed North America?
A good estimate is that roughly 30 million bison once roamed the grasslands of North America. To the explorers Lewis and Clark, the herds "darkened the whole plains." What happened? People. Massive hunting campaigns brought an end to the seemingly endless herds. Growth of farming and ranching and sever draught caused even more loss.
A "bullish" economy
Bison were a staple of the economy in the 1800s. As Americans became more industrial, the need for machine belts made from hides grew and grew. Sport-hunting also became the rage. Railroad companies offered tourists a chance to shoot bison from the coaches; one record-setting rider killed as many as 120 animals in 40 minutes. Within 50 years, the great herds were gone.
Time to stop "bullying" around!
By the late 1800s, about 325 wild bison were left. Congress began to take action to protect the remaining bison, and private ranchers started to create small herds. Slowly, the population crept up, thanks to legal protection, refuges and breeding programs. Today about 30,000 live in conservation herds and hundreds of thousands live on private ranches. Efforts to bring back massive herds will take time, land and a strong commitment to the recovery of this treasured animal.
Erected by
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1800.
Location. 38° 55.897′ N, 77° 3.145′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Smithsonian National Zoo. Marker is on Olmsted Walk. On the grounds of the Smithsonian National Zoological Garden. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3001 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20008, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bison and the Land (here, next to this marker); Bison and the National Zoo (a few steps from this marker); Are They Bison or Buffalo? (a few steps from this marker); Meet Our Bison (a few steps from this marker); The Scoop on Poop (a few steps from this marker); Feeding Times at the Zoo (within shouting distance of this marker); It's Our 125th Birthday! (within shouting distance of this marker); Giant Panda (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 17, 2017
2. And Then There Were (Almost) None Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 170 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 17, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
