The
Vore Buffalo Jump is one of the most important archaeological sites of the
Late-Prehistoric Plains Indians.
Discovered during the construction of Highway
I-90 in the early 1970’s, the Vore site is a natural sinkhole that was
used as a bison trap from about 1500 to 1800 A.D. Buffalo were driven over the
edge of the sink hole as a method for the Native American tribes to procure the large quantities of meat and hides needed to survive the
harsh prairie winters.
The
site is open to the public during the summer. For information on tours
during other seasons, please contact
the Crook County Extension Service Office
(307 283 1192)
or
info@VoreBuffaloJump.org
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Photo
copyright 2009 Vore Buffalo Jump Foundation.
In September, an earthwork berm was constructed around the VBJ
excavation unit by Steve Sisk, a retired highway engineer. The berm
is intended to accomplish two functions: to prevent repeated water
damage to the excavation unit such as the two flood events that occurred
last summer and to serve as support for a building that will be
constructed over the excavation unit. We hope the building will be
in place by June 2010 so that the archaeological resources will be
protected and so we can expand excavation and interpretive efforts at the
VBJ. Mr. Sisk used his own equipment to construct the berm as an
in-kind donation to the VBJF.
Remaining infrastructure needs are an excavation unit building and a
potable water supply and wastewater treatment capability. Active
fundraising is underway, but additional financial help is needed and
greatly appreciated.
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