Buffalo chips, the dried dung of buffalo, were primarily used as a source of fuel by travelers on the Oregon Trail. During the westward expansion in the mid-1800s, pioneers faced many challenges, including a scarcity of firewood in the vast plains and open spaces they traversed.
When there were no trees to provide timber, buffalo chips became a practical alternative. They were abundant in the areas traversed by wagon trains, and despite being unconventional, they burned well once dry. Not only did they provide warmth for cooking and keeping the campfires alive at night, but they also helped ward off the chill during the cold nights on the prairie.
Using buffalo chips was also a matter of convenience. They were readily available and could be easily collected along the trail. This resourcefulness highlights the adaptative strategies of the pioneers who had to make do with what nature provided them during their long and arduous journey.