National Buffalo Day

Majestic buffalo standing in a grassy field, with a cowboy hat and boots, western ranch setting.. — National buffalo day illustration

Welcome to the wild and wonderful world of National Buffalo Day! This is a day that pays tribute to the majestic buffalo and all its bovine glory. Get ready for some udderly amazing fun as we dive into the internet history of this hairy celebration.

When is Buffalo Day?

It's national buffalo day on the 4th November.

The Legend of the Buffalo

So, what's the big deal about buffalos? Well, these iconic creatures have played a significant role in the history and culture of North America. From the great buffalo herds roaming the plains to their symbolic presence in indigenous tribes, they are truly a beast of legends.

On National Buffalo Day, we take a moment to appreciate the buffalo's incredible resilience in the face of countless challenges. Once near extinction, these magnificent animals have made a remarkable comeback thanks to conservation efforts and a growing awareness of their importance to the ecosystem.

Buffalo-licious Delights

Now, let's talk about the mouthwatering side of buffalos. No, we don't mean chowing down on these magnificent creatures (that's a big NO-NO!). We're talking about Buffalo wings!

Buffalo wings are a spicy and delicious snack that originated in the city of Buffalo, New York. These saucy delights are typically made with chicken wings, coated in a tangy buffalo sauce, and served with a side of blue cheese dressing and celery sticks. It's a finger-lickin' treat that brings joy to sports fans, foodies, and anyone with taste buds!

So, on National Buffalo Day, don't be afraid to indulge in some buffalo wing goodness. Whether you're a fan of mild, medium, or blazing hot, there's a saucy flavor for everyone.

History behind the term 'Buffalo'

1600

Introduction to the American Bison

The term 'buffalo' originally referred to the American Bison, a large mammal native to North America. In the 1600s, European explorers and settlers encountered these majestic creatures and mistakenly referred to them as 'buffalo,' drawing upon their familiarity with the water buffalo of Africa and Asia.

1800

Buffalo Bill and the Wild West Shows

During the 19th century, showcasing the American West became a popular form of entertainment. In 1883, William Frederick Cody, also known as 'Buffalo Bill,' started his famous Wild West shows. These shows featured reenactments of frontier life, including thrilling buffalo hunts. The popularity of Buffalo Bill's shows further fueled the association between the term 'buffalo' and the American bison.

1900

Buffalo Nickel

In 1913, as a tribute to the rapidly disappearing American bison and the nation's western heritage, the United States Mint introduced the Buffalo Nickel, featuring a native American and a buffalo on its design. This coin quickly became an iconic symbol, firmly establishing the connection between the term 'buffalo' and the American bison in popular culture.

1960

The Buffalo Soldiers

The term 'buffalo' gained further significance in African American history with the recognition of the Buffalo Soldiers. The Buffalo Soldiers were all-black regiments of the United States Army formed after the Civil War. They were given the nickname by Native American tribes they encountered, who respected their courage and tenacity in battle, comparing them to the powerful and resilient buffalo.

2000

Buffalo Wings

In the culinary world, the term 'buffalo' took on a different meaning with the invention of Buffalo wings. In 1964, Teressa Bellissimo, the co-owner of the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, made the famous creation of deep-fried chicken wings coated in spicy sauce. The popularity of these wings spread rapidly, and 'Buffalo wings' became synonymous with this tangy and delicious treat.

Did you know?

Did you know that the term 'buffalo' is often used interchangeably with 'bison'? This can be quite confusing, especially when we talk about buffalo wings, which have nothing to do with actual buffalo. The bison is the proper term for the mighty creature we celebrate on National Buffalo Day!