1889 Map Illustrating The Extermination of the American Bison
By: W.T. Hornaday
Date: 1889 (published) Washington D.C.
Dimensions: 22.5 x 17.5 inches (57 x 44.5 cm)
This is a disconcerting map of North America, illustrating over 100 years of decline of the America Bison through habitat loss and systematic methods of extermination. The map was originally published in of W.T. Hornaday’s “Annual Report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution for the Year Ending 1887,” this example in Part II, 1889.
The map shows the gradual decline of the Bison range from herds were documented along the Alleghany Mountains as far back as the 1730s to 1889 when only a few herds survived in small areas along the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains. In terms of sheer numbers, what was once the most prolific animal of the continent with and estimated population of 30 – 60 million in the early 1700s would be reduced to approximately 800 by the time of this map’s publication. Dates and different colored lines illustrate this historic decline in phases that are described in an explanation at lower left.
The link between the bison and the American Indian, especially those of the Great Plains are undoubtedly linked in their decline with the expansion efforts of the United States throughout the 19th century. As a primary source of sustenance on many levels, the Bison became a target of the United States in its effort to subdue the last tribes proving resilient to Westward Expansion. With the advent of the railroad, passengers were at one time encouraged to bring their rifles along to shoot at herds from the train cars. Between the years of 1872 and 1874, an average of 5000 bison was killed every day, which adds up to about 5.4 million bison killed in 3 years.
While the destruction of both the populations and territory of the bison is saddening, it also offered the first opportunity for American to understand their new country and its resources were not limitless. The near extermination of the American Bison brought about public outcry and ultimately support within congress to enact some of the first efforts of environmental conservation and preservation, the most noteworthy example being the creation of the first national park, Yellowstone in 1872. Still, for more than a decade poaching was quite prevalent and proper funding to protect these herds would not come about until the end of the 19th century.
Condition: This map is in A+ condition with no separations staining or paper discoloration. Originally issued folded, the map has been professionally flattened and exudes bright color over clean paper with full margins on all sides.
Inventory #12465
1200 W. 35th Street #425 Chicago, IL 60609 | Phone: (312) 496 – 3622