Vore Buffalo Jump - near Sundance, WY
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 44° 32.148 W 104° 09.433
13T E 566958 N 4931731
Archaeological site, now open to the public
Waymark Code: WMPNJT
Location: Wyoming, United States
Date Posted: 09/27/2015
Views: 6
County of site: Crook County
Location of site: off OL US 14, caught between I-90 and old hwy, Crook County
The Vore Buffalo Jump Foundation is located at:
369 E Main St, Sundance, WY 82729
Phone:(307) 266-9530
"The Vore Buffalo Jump is on the interface between what were once great bison pastures of the northern Great Plains and the Black Hills, making it highly attractive to various groups of buffalo hunters. In about 300 years, the site was used by five or more tribes.
The rich cultures and fascinating history of the Plains Indians developed around the immense bison herds and grasslands and of western North America.
Many Native American groups believe the Black Hills have spiritual properties as well as important material resources." ~ Vore Buffalo Jump
Historic marker on site text:
Plains Indians depended upon Buffalo for many of their material needs - food, shelter, clothing, tools, fuel, ceremonial objects, even toys. Prior to acquiring horses in the 18th century, hunting individual animals on foot with bow and arrows was difficult and dangerous. As winter approached, tribes often joined in communal hunts to provide meat and hides for harsh winters by driving herds of buffalo over a cliff or into a trap where the animals were killed, butchered and processed in mass.
Tribes from across the northern Plains used the natural sinkhole, now known as the Vore Buffalo Jump, to trap bison between 1500 A.D and 1800 A.D. The site's location at the interface between the open buffalo pastures of the plains and the shelter of the Black Hills, made it a magnet for the many groups vying for the area. Native peoples used this site during a period of rapid and unprecedented cultural change partially brought about by the entry of European goods and people into the region. Huge volumes of bones and assorted artifacts have been held in place by the bowl shape of the sinkhole. These remains were quickly covered by sediments and are perfectly preserved in discrete, precisely datable layers. Archaeological study at the site has revealed much fascinating evidence about this period and it's people.
Following the site's discovery during construction of I-90 in the early 1970's, University of Wyoming archaeologists documented the exceptional quality and importance of the site in two summers of excavation. The family of Woodrow and Doris Vore donated the property to the non-profit Vore Buffalo Jump Foundation. The Foundation seeks to create a world-class visitor center and to continue scientific research, education and cultural programs at the site.