Bison-tennial Legacy Bison on display at German American Boulevard

About two weeks ago, a new attraction was added to the German American Boulevard near the Jasper Train Depot.

Visitors to the area can now see the special Bison-tennial legacy bison created as part of the state’s bicentennial in 2016. The five-foot-tall fiberglass model purchased by Redevelop Old Jasper Action Coalition as part of the state-wide celebration has been repainted and is now on display with information about the bison that migrated through Dubois County.

Here is an update on a new project the group is taking on.

For many years, American Bison migrated from the plains in Illinois to salt licks in Kentucky. The Buffalo Trace cuts through the state from Vincennes to New Albany, entering and exiting Dubois County near Otwell and Cuzco, running just north of Haysville. The bison took the same route year after year, wearing a path into the stone.

There are two informational signs at the statue. One covers information about the American Bison, and the other outlines the Yellow Banks trail that led to the settlement in Dubois County. The Enlow Mill was built at the ford of Patoka River along the trail. The Yellow Banks Trail entered the state in Rockport and went through Spencer County and Dubois County to the White River near Portersville. It was a well-known route for Native Americans through the area.

The county has two Bison-tennial Legacy Bison. The second will be on display in front of the Dubois County Museum.