The term “buffalo chips” is used to describe a specific type of fuel that was commonly used in the late 19th century. It may seem like a strange name for fuel, but it actually has a very logical explanation. The term “buffalo chips” refers to the dried excrement of the American bison, also known as buffalo.
During the 1800s, the American bison roamed the vast plains of North America in large herds. These herds were an important resource for the Native American tribes and also played a significant role in the expansion of the United States. The bison provided food, clothing, shelter, and even fuel for the people living on the plains.
When settlers and pioneers began moving westward, they encountered the bison herds and quickly realized the abundance of resources they provided. As they traveled across the treeless plains, they needed a readily available source of fuel to cook their meals and keep warm. This is where the buffalo chips came into play.
The dried excrement of the bison, or buffalo chips, proved to be an excellent alternative to wood. It was easily accessible and readily available, as the bison herds were abundant in the area. The pioneers would collect the dried dung and use it as fuel for their fires. They would often stack the chips into neat piles or use them as fuel in their stoves or campfires.
The term “buffalo chips” likely originated from the fact that the fuel source came from the buffalo, which were commonly referred to as “buffalo” by the settlers. The word “chips” was likely used to describe the small, dried pieces of dung that resembled wood chips. It was a practical and descriptive term that quickly became the common name for this type of fuel.
Using buffalo chips as fuel was not just a matter of necessity, but also a reflection of the resourcefulness and adaptability of the settlers. They found a way to make use of the resources available to them in their new environment, even if it meant using dried animal droppings as fuel. It was a testament to their ingenuity and ability to adapt to their surroundings.
The term “buffalo chips” is used to describe the dried excrement of the American bison, which was commonly used as fuel by settlers and pioneers in the late 19th century. The name originated from the fact that the fuel source came from the buffalo, and the term “chips” was used to describe the small, dried pieces of dung. It was a practical and descriptive name that reflected the resourcefulness and adaptability of the settlers in making use of the resources available to them.