Hornaday Camp facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hornaday Camp
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 Hornaday Camp
Location in Montana
Hornaday Camp
Location in the United States
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| Location | 10 miles south of Montana Highway 200 |
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| NRHP reference No. | 91000298 |
| Added to NRHP | March 26, 1991 |
The Hornaday Camp (also known as 24GH362) is a special historic campsite. It is located about 10 miles (16 km) south of Montana Highway 200. This spot is near a place called Sand Springs, Montana.
This camp is famous because a very important person named William Temple Hornaday used it. He was on an expedition in 1886. This trip was for the Smithsonian Institution. His main goal was to help save the American buffalo, which were in danger.
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Who Was William Hornaday?
William Temple Hornaday was a well-known zoologist and taxidermist. A zoologist studies animals. A taxidermist prepares, stuffs, and mounts animal skins to make them look alive. Hornaday became the Chief Taxidermist of the Smithsonian in 1882.
Hornaday's Important Expedition
In 1886, Hornaday traveled to Montana. He wanted to study the American buffalo. At that time, buffalo were becoming very rare. He set up his camp in the area that is now known as Hornaday Camp. This camp is the only place left that is directly linked to his life and his efforts to save animals.
The American Bison Group Exhibit
When Hornaday returned from Montana, he created a special museum display. It was called the "American Bison Group" exhibit. This display showed his findings about the buffalo. It was considered a great achievement in museum taxidermy.
This exhibit also changed how museums displayed animals. Before, animals were often shown alone on pedestals. Hornaday's exhibit showed groups of animals in natural-looking habitats. This made the displays much more realistic and interesting.
Hornaday's Conservation Efforts
Hornaday's experience with the endangered buffalo deeply affected him. It made him want to work even harder to protect animals. He became a strong supporter of animal conservation.
One of his most important achievements was helping to start the National Zoo. This zoo is in Washington, D.C. It plays a big role in protecting endangered species and educating people about animals.
National Historic Site
The Hornaday Camp was recognized as a very important historical place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 26, 1991. This means it is protected for future generations to learn about.
