The most likely main source of food for the Lakota before the arrival of the railroad was:
- Bison
The Lakota, like many other Plains Native American tribes, relied heavily on bison (also known as buffalo) as a primary food source. Bison provided meat for food, hides for clothing and shelter, bones for tools, and other essential materials for daily life. The Lakota followed the bison herds as part of their nomadic way of life, utilizing all parts of the animal to sustain their communities. Bison hunting was a crucial aspect of Lakota culture and survival before the arrival of the railroad.
