ne of the most tragic events in the history of the old west was the near destruction of the American buffalo. The exhibit, dedicated to the buffalo, contains numerous items made from actual buffalo, such as coats, gloves, bone china, toothbrushes, buttons, and many other items. The buffalo exhibit is an experience sight, sound and touch. The beautiful 2,000 pound creature stands before you, while you watch and listen to the story of the buffalo. Under your feet you feel the rumble of the great herds while they move across the screen. The buffalo hunter and the Indian tell of what this time in history meant to them. While being an exciting and lucrative time for the hunter, it was devastating for the Indian. Hanging next to you on the wall of the exhibit is a buffalo hide you can touch and feel what incredible fur this animal had. During the 1870's the buffalo was the center of Dodge City's economy. The hunters pursued the buffalo to near extinction for three reasons: the newly built railroads allowed easy accessibility to eastern United States markets; tanners discovered a new process which allowed them to manufacture good leather from buffalo hides; and military leaders believed that destroying the buffalo meant destroying the Plains Indians way of life. Along with the buffalo on display is a prairie dog and rattle snake native to this land. There is also a beautiful pheasant also on display. The pheasant is not native to the United States; it was brought to this country from China, for the purpose of hunting. This exciting, multi-faceted exhibit needs to be experienced by all.