Bison Becomes the First National Mammal

Postcard US-3939822 to Lithuania shows a herd of bison. The fuzzy, horned giant becomes a national symbol after President Obama signed the National Bison Legacy Act into law early today making it the national mammal of the United States.

Early American settlers mistakenly called bison “buffalo” due to the similar appearance between the two animals. However, the two main buffalo species only reside in Africa and Asia, while the American bison (Bison bison) lives only in North America,

The bison nearly went extinction during the westward expansion of the United States in the early 1800s, resulting from a deliberate policy of depriving Native Americans of a significant source of food, clothing and shelter. Its population recovered only after a concerted effort by conservationists in the early 20th century.

The bison is also the state mammal in Kansas, Oklahoma and Wyoming.

Will Rogers Memorial Museum

Outgoing postcard US-3368790 to Germany was a vintage linen postcard with an aerial view of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum and Tomb in Claremore, Oklahoma that commemorates Native American social commentator and actor Will Rogers (November 4, 1879 – August 15, 1935) who was one of the world's most famous stars in the 1920s and 1930s. The museum houses artifacts, memorabilia, photographs, and manuscripts pertaining to Rogers' life, and documentaries, speeches, and movies starring Rogers are shown in a theater. He made 71 movies and wrote more than 4,000 nationally syndicated newspaper columns. Rogers died in 1935 during a small airplane crash in Alaska. His tomb is located on its 20-acre or 8-hectare grounds overlooking Claremore and Rogers State University. The museum opened in 1938, three years after his death.

May 18 is the International Museum Day. The theme for 2015 is "Museums for a sustainable society."

Firewheel

Outgoing postcard US-2722708 to Russia shows firewheel (Gaillardia pulchella), a short-lived hardy flowering plant native to the Central United States. It is not picky about soil but loves sandy and well-drained fields, with a high tolerance for the drought. Its has vibrantly colored flowers and does best with a dry, hot climate under the full sun. The photo was taken on the ground of the Nevada State Museum in Las Vegas.

Firewheel is the State Wildflower of Oklahoma. and the County Flower of Penghu, Taiwan.