One thing that I had heard before from a rancher out west and not from an official source is that when the diseases spread and killed off Indians that there were less bisons killed and the herd was allowed to grow. Some had already mentioned this theory already.
I never thought about it that way. But I still have some doubts after reading Evan Connell’s “Son Of The Morning Star”. He tells of Crow Indians killing around 1000 Buff, taking only the tongues, sold to the Whites for whiskey! The rest went to the buzzards. Also of Comanche cutting down whole groves of Pecan Trees to get the nuts!
I was shocked to read that.
Growing up in the’70s, I was always under the impression that the Indian lived in tune with nature, never taking more than was needed.
There’s quite a few things about history that don’t really fit the mold very well. Most folks don’t realize that what they learned in school is based on myths and fictional stories.
Please don’t accuse me of being a revisionist. I hate the fact that kids are now taught the Civil War was fought over slaves.
I’m not a revisionist, but I’m damn sure a realist!
Reon
