Helena, Montana: Big Medicine - Stuffed White Buffalo

Big Medicine was a white buffalo born on the Flathead Indian Reservation. While alive, he was the #2 tourist attraction in all of Montana, after Yellowstone. His nickname was "Whitey."

Montana Historical Society Museum

Address:: 255 N. Roberts, Helena, MT
Directions:: Montana Historical Society Museum. North of Winne Ave. on Roberts St. between Sanders St. and Roberts St.
Hours:: M-W, F-Sa 9 am - 5 pm, Th 9 am - 8 pm. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 406-444-2694

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Big Medicine.

Big Medicine - White Bison

In May of 1933 Big Medicine, a white bison calf, was born on the Flathead Indian Reservation and nicknamed "Whitey." The one in five million odds of a white bison's birth was viewed by native Americans as a sign of supernatural powers,while the Blackfeet considered him the property of the sun and "good medicine."

Big Medicine was fed a special diet and received special care all throughout his life and lived for twenty-six years. Old by bison standards. Big Medicine lived up to his name as he stood six feet at the hump, was twelve feet long from nose to tail and weighed 1,900 lbs. After his death in 1959 his hide was tanned, mounted and put on display in the museum.

[Phil Pasquini, 07/26/2010]