History of "buffalo plaid"?

**katon** · 10th March 08, 06:57 PM

Does anyone know the story behind "buffalo plaid" tartan in the United States? Usually the term seems to be used to describe the Rob Roy tartan, or occasionally for a large Northumberland or some other color combined with black. Where did this term come from, and how long has it been in use?

**James MacMillan** · 10th March 08, 10:18 PM

Sorry - never heard the term, but - anyway...

from Sunny Southern California, just outside the back gate of Camp Pendleton

**MrLion** · 11th March 08, 07:54 AM

Welcome from Oregon.
.
I found this brief definition:
http://www.bartleby.com/61/27/B0532750.html

**Finn** · 11th March 08, 08:23 AM

Welcome from West Virginia!

**katon** · 11th March 08, 09:34 PM

Thanks to all for the warm welcome.

Originally Posted by MrLion

Welcome from Oregon.
.
I found this brief definition:
http://www.bartleby.com/61/27/B0532750.html

Does this mean that the tartan was invented independently? My first exposure to the Rob Roy tartan was through "buffalo plaid" outdoor gear, so I was curious over the origin.

**Kiltman** · 12th March 08, 04:43 PM

Welcome from Eastern Washington. Hope Matt or someone else can tell us about 'buffalo plaid'.

**sharpdressedscot** · 13th March 08, 05:40 AM

A kilt made of buffalo?

Welcome to Xmarks.

**Cerebite** · 16th March 08, 07:39 PM

A U.S. Army tartan variation in honor of the Buffalo Soldiers?

Probably not the correct answer but at least IMHO a interesting idea

**ccga3359** · 16th March 08, 08:06 PM

Our Lumberjack Jackets are of the same plaid.

**macdoc451** · 19th March 08, 06:35 PM

Near as I can find, "Buffallo Plaid" is a HudsonBay wool plaid of red and black (Not a tartan), that was used during the time of the western expansion. It came after the striped "point" blankets, and was commonly used to make jackets and shirts in the Northern States due to being thinner than the point-blanket wool, and still very warm. When the logging industry swept the Great Lakes region, they were a very popular logging shirt.

There are a few business' which have the 'Buffallo Plaid' in their name, however I doubt if they can claim outright "ownership" of the title (IMHO). By the way, I was privy to limited historical documentation on this subject, and, some first, second, and third person information. My great grandad was in the Michigan lumber industry, and I was able to talk to him about life in the camps, while he was still alive (when I was younger). My grandad was killed while my dad was young, but I heard many stories from my grandmother. My dad (currently 80) has told me much about the industry, as well. No, he's not senile, yet, either.......