Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump

From a grassy slope in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, visitors may view the site of the Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, where buffalo herds were thrown over the cliff and drowned. The loss of the bison altered all areas of plains people’s way of life. Throughout the hard prairie winters and horrible weather conditions, bison served as their clothes, food supply, and shelter.

It is clear from archaeological evidence that the people of Plains had a thorough grasp of bison behaviour because of how long they used the Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump site to herd bison. You may find archaeological remnants of human activities and hunting habits from North America at this location.

How to Go to Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump?

• From Calgary

The trip to the Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump takes around an hour and fifty minutes from Calgary. Go south on AB-2, Deerfoot, following signs for Lethbridge and Fort Macleod. You’ll arrive at the Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump via AB 785 W after about 30 minutes of driving. Take a right here. There is a large sign promoting Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump on the right-hand side of AB 785 W.

• From Lethbridge

Lethbridge, the next major city, is around 70 km distant from Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump. Highway 3 west of Lethbridge is the best route to Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump from Lethbridge. Fort Macleod is the next place we’ll go. Turn right towards the Crowsnest Hwy before you leave town. This road will take you to Pincher Creek, Fort Macleod, and Calgary.

After crossing the “Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump” sign on the AB-2 N, you may see signs for the AB 785 W on the ramp to Calgary, and the AB-2 N. Turning left off of AB 785 W will lead you to Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, a 16-kilometre detour.

Historical and Archaeological Significance

The people of Blackfoot were dispersed before Europeans arrived. The migration of bison herds was governed by many circumstances, including the location, weather, and time of year. They relocated their camp as a result of these worries.

Even though there are several buffalo jumps on the Northern Plains, Head-Smashed-On is the best preserved and most often used. Using this information, plains people established an innovative technique to feed their winter colony.

Because there were no highways, someone caused a stampede of bison, and buffalo runners disguised as wolves took advantage of the animals’ natural need to defend their young by running among them while wearing wolf masks. A cliff marked the end of the rush. In their hurry, the bison ran into a dangerous drop at the end of the road, which killed the whole herd. Archaeological studies show that people may have camped near where the bison died or where they fell off the cliff. Teepee rings and stone tools also show that the whole bison was probably used in a few ways.

Archaeology has demonstrated that bison corpses were utilised as garments, tools, food, and shelter during the creation of this leap by the original people. Native Americans relied on beautiful bison for much more than just food on the Great Plains.

In the late 19th century, when European settlers and the North-West Mounted Police moved into the area, bison became an important target for the settlers. Bison herds roamed the meadows, so it was common to kill them for their hides and target practice for those with weapons. Buffalo meat was almost hard to find because the number of these animals was decreasing, and they might go extinct.

Activities At the Head-Smashed Buffalo Jump Historic Site

Centre for Tourist Information

The Buffalo Jump’s attractions feature seven floors of interactive exhibits and educational displays within the World Heritage Site’s visitor information centre. The material aims to provide light on the long history of the area’s prosperity via the use of archaeology and history. Because of this, we know that the Plains Indians ate bison for more than mere sustenance. Because they were so widely used, they significantly impacted the culture. During the European invasion, the people of Blackfoot were oppressed.

Theatre

In addition to the displays, a 15-minute video about the Plains people’s cooperative hunting practices may be shown in the centre of the interpretive 80-seat auditorium. This film does a wonderful job explaining both the hunting methods and the background associated with Buffalo Jump.

Conclusion:

Including the Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump from Calgary to Lethbridge, driving is a breeze. Travellers of all ages need to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it provides a unique viewpoint on culture and history.

It’s just a short drive from Fort Macleod to the Fort Museum of the North-West Mounted Police. There are three World Heritage Sites in southern Alberta that you may visit while you’re there.