The Destruction Of The Bison by Nancy Isenberg

An Environmental History, 1750-1920

This insightful historical analysis delves into the complex interplay of ecological, economic, and cultural factors that led to the near extinction of the American bison in the 19th century. It explores how the westward expansion of European settlers, driven by the burgeoning fur trade and the expansion of the railroad, intersected with indigenous practices and environmental changes to decimate bison populations. The narrative highlights the profound impact of these events on Native American societies, whose livelihoods were intricately tied to the bison, and underscores the broader implications of human intervention in natural ecosystems.