It is estimated that over 75 million buffalo roamed the American plains in the early 1800's. With the expansion of the west by railroad, massive herds of buffalo, standing on tracks, were known to damage locomotives when trains failed to stop in time. Buffalo herds were so large, they would block and delay trains by days when taking shelter from harsh winters on railroad tracks that ran through hills and valleys.

By the mid-1880s, buffalo were hunted, almost to extinction. In 1888 the buffalo herd of Buffalo Bill Cody, which only consisted of 18 head for his Wild West show, was the fourth largest in the nation. Near the same time, James "Scotty" Philip of South Dakota, had established a herd of over 1000. Between the two, most modern day buffalo in North America are descendants of Buffalo Bill Cody and James Scotty Philip's herds.

Iron Will is a tribute to the two men who had the vision and the will to preserve this marvelous and grand animal; and a tribute to the buffalo, and it's iron will to live on.

Photo reference, courtesy of the South Dakota State Historical Society - State Archives.


With utmost appreciation, K.C. Artworks wishes to thank Great Western Railway and OmniTRAX for the donation of railroad materials for this display.