DescriptionPresident Theodore Roosevelt created the National Bison Range on May 23, 1908, to preserve the animal from extinction. The bison range started with 34 bison (historically called buffalo) purchased from the Charles Conrad estate by the American Bison Society. The National Bison Range’s most famous resident was Big Medicine. Born on May 3, 1933, this white buffalo—originally named Whitey—quickly became the premier attraction. When Big Medicine died on August 25, 1959, Browning sculptor and taxidermist Bob Scriver mounted Big Medicine’s tanned hide on a molded standing mannequin for the Montana Historical Society. Governor Donald Nutter dedicated the exhibit on July 13, 1961, at the Montana Historical Society, where it still resides. Every October, the range rounds up bison for branding, inoculation, and sale. Between 2004 and 2006, the USFWS and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes shared management of the range. However, in 2006, the USFWS rescinded its management agreement with the Tribes.Personal NamesRoosevelt, TheodoreConrad, CharlesScriver, BobNutter, DonaldOther Name(s)MontanaContributing InstitutionMontana Historical Society Library and ArchivesGeolocation[1] CountyLake CountySanders County
