Vore Buffalo Jump

What is the Vore Buffalo Jump?
In 1989, the family of Woodrow and Doris Vore donated this amazing archeological treasure to the University of Wyoming. The agreement stated that the site would be developed for its great scientific, educational and economic potentials. A non-profit corporation, The Vore Buffalo Jump Foundation, has been formed to assist the University with the project.

A Very Effective Trap!
One of the world's premier archeological sites is located at the edge of the northern Black Hills in Wyoming. For over three hundred years, Plains Indian groups stampeded bison over the rim and into a deep natural "sink hole" at the site which is now called the Vore Buffalo Jump. It was one of the most effective means available to the Indians to procure the buffalo which were their primary food and the source of many other materials used in their cultures. It is believed that up to 20,000 of the shaggy bison were trapped at this one location. While there were undoubtedly many buffalo jumps scattered throughout the Plains, the Vore site has several unique properties.

Massive Bone Beds
An exploratory excavation was completed at the site in the 1970's during the construction of Interstate Highway 90. Less than 10% of the site was unearthed at that time, but the analysis revealed at least 20 bone layers which extend about 100 feet across the sink hole and nearly 25 feet down.

Exceptional Preservation
The bison bones and the many stone artifacts abandoned at the site were buried quickly, but gently, with thin layers of sediment. As a result, materials which would normally decompose or erode away are still intact at the Vore site. The quality of the preservation at this buffalo jump is unmatched.

Precise Dating
Events at the Vore Site can be dated with precision that is unprecedented among archeological excavations. For example, the annual layers of sediment, called varves, that washed into the sink hole can be counted much like tree rings. When combined with other dating techniques, these varves allow scientists to estimate the dates of "jumps" at the site with amazing accuracy. The varves also give excellent evidence about weather cycles, ecological change, and other factors of interest.

The Flowering of a Culture
This period of use at the Vore site corresponds with the rapid development and climax of the Plains Indians' cultures as free-roaming buffalo hunters. The various tribes were trading, inter-marrying, exchanging ideas and warring. Their customs and technologies were evolving swiftly. A number of different Native American tribes ... perhaps the Cheyenne, Kiowa, Kiowa-Apache and possibly the Lakota ... are believed to have used this exceptionally productive "buffalo jump." Excavations at the Vore site will help develop a more complete account of these proud Native Americans who have captured the imaginations of the world.

We Invite Your Membership!
The plan of The Vore Buffalo Jump Foundation is to protect the site with a world-class facility, making it accessible to the citizens of the world. Visitors will be able to observe on-going excavation and laboratory analysis at very close range and have their experience enriched by a variety of outstanding museum and educational programs.

The Vore Buffalo Jump Foundation regards the site as part of humankind's historical heritage and wishes to share the legacy with you and others. Your membership dues or contributions will greatly assist the development effort. Please join us now.

Membership Dues Membership Dues
Student (through age 18) $5.00 Sponsor $250.00
College Student $15.00 Sustaining $500.00
Individual $25.00 Patron $1,000.00
Family $50.00 Benefactor $5,000.00
Associate/Business $100.00 Founder $10,000.00

All members receive a spectacular poster of the Vore excavation, a certificate, membership card, and a quarterly newsletter. Please direct questions or send your membership dues or donations to:

Vore Buffalo Jump Foundation
PO Box 369
Sundance, WY 82729
307-283-1192 • 307-766-2208 • 307-766-5136