The Last Bison on the Plains : The Story of Charles “Buffalo” Jones

Charles Buffalo Jones

The story of the American bison is one of near extinction and remarkable recovery, symbolizing the resilience of both the species and the conservationists who fought to preserve it. Among these figures, Charles "Buffalo" Jones stands out, not only for his efforts to save the bison but also for his pivotal role in establishing the core of the Yellowstone herd. Here we explore Jones's journey, his interactions with key figures like Walking Coyote, Michel Pablo, and Charles Allard, and how their combined efforts ensured the survival of the bison, leading to the establishment of the Yellowstone herd.

The Decline of the Bison and the Role of the 1894 National Park Protective Act

In the late 19th century, the American bison faced near annihilation due to market hunting and habitat destruction. Once numbering in the tens of millions, their population plummeted to fewer than a thousand by the 1880s. The Yellowstone bison population, in particular, had dwindled to just 200 scattered animals by the mid-1890s. The 1894 National Park Protective Act, which made it illegal to kill bison in Yellowstone National Park, came as a significant legislative effort to protect the last remaining herds in the West. However, by the time the act was enforced, it appeared to many, including conservationist George Bird Grinnell, that it might have come too late to save the bison from extinction.

Poaching, inbreeding, and natural attrition continued to take a toll on the herd. By 1902, only 23 bison remained in Yellowstone. Despite these grim circumstances, the bison were not yet doomed, thanks to the efforts of individuals who would later become instrumental in their survival, including Charles "Buffalo" Jones.

Walking Coyote and the Beginning of Preservation

One of the earliest efforts to preserve the bison came from an unlikely source: a Pend d'Oreille Indian named Walking Coyote. In the 1870s, Walking Coyote captured a small group of bison calves near the Montana-Canada border. As he returned to his home in the Flathead Valley, these calves began to grow into a modest herd. By 1884, Walking Coyote's herd had grown to thirteen animals. However, due to personal and societal challenges, including being banished from his tribe, Walking Coyote found the bison more of a burden than a benefit and sought to sell them.

Michel Pablo, Charles Allard, and the Expansion of the Herd

Recognizing the potential value of Walking Coyote's bison, two Montana ranchers, Michel Pablo and Charles Allard, purchased the herd from him for $2,000. Both men had Native American heritage, and their interest in the bison went beyond mere commercial value; they saw in these animals a living remnant of the great herds that once roamed the plains. By 1896, the Pablo-Allard herd had grown to over 300 animals, making it one of the largest privately owned bison herds in the United States. This growing herd would later play a critical role in the survival of the species.

Charles "Buffalo" Jones and the Yellowstone Herd

Charles "Buffalo" Jones, a former buffalo hunter turned conservationist, had long been fascinated by the bison. After witnessing the near destruction of the species, he dedicated himself to saving the bison from extinction. In 1902, Jones was appointed as the first game warden of Yellowstone National Park, where he saw an opportunity to create a sanctuary for the bison. His mission was clear: to save the tattered remnant of the Yellowstone herd.

Jones's legacy is complex. While part of his interest in the bison was commercial—he spent years attempting to breed a buffalo-cattle hybrid known as a "catalo"—he also deeply regretted his role in the near destruction of the species and was determined to make amends. “I am positive it was the wickedness committed in killing so many, that impelled me to take measures for perpetuating the race which I had helped to almost destroy,” Jones later reflected.

Jones recognized the value of the thriving Pablo-Allard herd and saw it as a chance to bolster Yellowstone's dwindling bison population. With the support of President Theodore Roosevelt, George Bird Grinnell, and a $15,000 appropriation from Congress, Jones negotiated with Michel Pablo to purchase a significant portion of the herd. By 1907, nearly 75 bison had been relocated to Yellowstone National Park, with 18 of these animals coming directly from the Pablo-Allard herd.

Charles Buffalo Jones

The Yellowstone Herd and Its Legacy

The introduction of the Pablo-Allard bison into Yellowstone was a turning point in the history of bison conservation. These animals became the foundation of the park's bison herd, which has grown steadily over the past century. By the time Jones resigned as game warden in 1905, the fenced Yellowstone herd had increased from 21 to 44 animals. By 1915, the herd had grown to 239, and the distinction between fenced and wild bison began to blur as the animals were encouraged to roam free. Today, the Yellowstone bison are one of the most genetically pure and significant populations of wild bison in North America, symbolizing the success of early conservation efforts.

The Broader Impact on Bison Conservation

Jones's work in Yellowstone was part of a broader movement to save the bison. Michel Pablo, who continued to manage his herd on the Flathead Reservation, faced a crisis in 1906 when the reservation was opened to homesteading. Unable to secure a land grant from the U.S. government, Pablo offered to sell his herd to the government. When Congress delayed action, he ultimately sold the herd to the Canadian government, which used it to establish a bison population in Wood Buffalo National Park.

The efforts of individuals like Jones, Pablo, and Allard were crucial in preserving the bison, but they also highlighted the limitations of relying solely on government intervention. Private citizens and organizations played a vital role in pushing for the protection of the bison and their habitats. The establishment of the American Bison Society in 1905, with the support of President Roosevelt, further solidified these efforts, leading to the creation of additional bison reserves across the United States.

Conclusion

The story of Charles "Buffalo" Jones and the Yellowstone bison herd is a testament to the power of individual action and collaboration in the face of overwhelming odds. Thanks to the efforts of Walking Coyote, Michel Pablo, Charles Allard, and Jones, the American bison was saved from extinction and continues to thrive in Yellowstone National Park today. Their legacy serves as an inspiration for future conservation efforts, reminding us of the importance of preserving our natural heritage for generations to come.