The term “buffalo chips” refers to a particular material that was commonly used as a substitute for wood during the late 19th century in the United States. These chips were not, as one might expect, made from actual buffalo or bison. Instead, they were made from the dried excrement of these animals.
To understand why this material came to be known as buffalo chips, we need to delve into the history of the American bison and its relationship with the pioneers and settlers of the time.
Back in the 1800s, the American bison roamed the vast plains of North America in enormous herds. These majestic creatures played a significant role in the lives of Native American tribes, who relied on them for food, clothing, and shelter. The buffalo provided everything from meat for sustenance to hides for clothing and teepees.
However, with the westward expansion of European settlers, the bison population faced a rapid decline. This was largely due to overhunting and the destruction of their natural habitat. By the late 1800s, the once-thriving herds had been decimated, and the bison were on the brink of extinction.
As settlers moved westward, they found themselves in need of fuel sources to cook food and keep warm. In the absence of trees and forests on the treeless plains, they had to find alternative sources of fuel. This is where the buffalo chips come into play.
The dried excrement of the buffalo, or buffalo chips, proved to be a practical solution. It was readily available, easy to collect, and burned relatively well. While it may not have been the most pleasant or conventional fuel source, it served its purpose for those living on the plains.
The term “buffalo chips” likely originated from the association between the material and the buffalo themselves. The settlers would have been familiar with the presence of buffalo herds and their droppings, so it is not surprising that they would refer to the dried excrement as “buffalo chips.”
Using buffalo chips as a fuel source was not without its challenges, though. The odor when burning was not particularly pleasant, and the chips could produce a significant amount of smoke. Additionally, collecting buffalo chips could be a dirty and labor-intensive task, as one can imagine.
Despite these drawbacks, buffalo chips became a common and practical fuel source for those living on the plains. It provided a means of survival in an environment devoid of traditional wood resources. It was a testament to the resourcefulness and adaptability of the pioneers and settlers of the time.
The term “buffalo chips” originated from the use of dried buffalo excrement as a fuel source on the treeless plains of the American West. While it may not have been the most glamorous or appealing option, it served its purpose for those in need of fuel. The association between the material and the buffalo themselves likely led to its unique name.