Big Goose Creek Buffalo Jump facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Big Goose Creek Buffalo Jump
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| Location | Address Restricted |
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| NRHP reference No. | 74002031 |
| Added to NRHP | February 12, 1974 |
The Big Goose Creek Buffalo Jump is a very old and important historical site. It is located in a rural area of Sheridan County, Wyoming. This special place was once used by Native American people to hunt large herds of buffalo.
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What is a Buffalo Jump?
A buffalo jump is a cliff or a steep drop-off that ancient hunters used to catch buffalo. It was a very clever way to hunt many animals at once. Hunters would guide or scare a large group of buffalo towards the cliff. The buffalo would then fall over the edge.
How Buffalo Jumps Worked
Hunting buffalo this way was a big group effort. People would work together to herd the buffalo. They would often use loud noises, waving blankets, or even fire to guide the animals. The buffalo would run faster and faster until they reached the cliff. They couldn't stop in time and would fall.
Parts of a Buffalo Jump Site
A typical buffalo jump site has three main parts:
- The Drive Lanes: These are the paths or areas where the buffalo were guided. Sometimes, there were piles of rocks or fences to help direct the animals.
- The Jump Site: This is the actual cliff or steep drop-off where the buffalo fell.
- The Kill Site: This area is at the bottom of the cliff. Here, the hunters would finish the hunt and prepare the buffalo. They used every part of the buffalo for food, clothing, tools, and shelter.
The Big Goose Creek Site
The Big Goose Creek Buffalo Jump is a great example of this ancient hunting method. It includes all three parts: the path the buffalo were driven along, the jump site itself, and the kill site below the cliff. This site helps us understand how Native American people lived and hunted many centuries ago.
Why This Site is Important
The Big Goose Creek Buffalo Jump was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This means it is recognized as a very important historical and archaeological site. Protecting places like this helps us learn about the past. It teaches us about the ingenuity and survival skills of the people who lived here long before us.
