World's Largest Buffalo

The sculpture is tall and long and weighs . It was constructed with stucco and cement around a steel beam frame shaped with wire mesh. The sculpture is complete in many respects of detail. It is sculptured after a male bison in mid-stride and is anatomically correct. ==History==

The sculpture was commissioned in 1959 by local businessman Harold Newman, designed by Elmer Petersen, Jamestown College Art Professor and sculptor, and constructed under Peterson's supervision by professional construction workers and community members. The final construction cost was approximately US$8,500 in 1969; a significant overrun from initial estimates closer to $4,600. The concrete slab that lies under the sculpture was added later and was not included in the initial cost. In June 2007, the city of Jamestown received a grant of $16,500 from Hampton Hotels' Save-A-Landmark program to refurbish the buffalo. The money was used to repaint the buffalo to look more lifelike and to enlarge the horns. Original designer Elmer Petersen directly oversaw the renovation. On July 24, 2010, the World's Largest Buffalo was named "Dakota Thunder", after a contest that drew more than 3,500 entries. ==References==