2 - History of the Princeton and Smithsonian Investigations at the Horner Site

Abstract

This chapter presents a chronically archived account of the history of the Princeton and Smithsonian investigations conducted at the Horner site. The Horner site was discovered by James M. (Jimmy) Allen, a collector living in Cody, Wyoming, on Sunday, July 2, 1939. Dr. Glenn Jepsen of Princeton University on being introduced to the site by the former realized its potential as an archeological site for the study of Paleoindian society. Jepsen in his reply telegram to Frederick S. Osborne, Department of Public Relations at Princeton, dated September 5, 1949, described his concept of the Horner site project, its scientific potential, and the probable magnitude of the site and its proper study, in addition to the interrelationships between the several institutions involved. The chapter highlights Jepsen's correspondences with the then secretary of the Smithsonian, Dr. Wetmore, regarding help with prospective studies of the site. It was in Dr. Wetmore's reply to Jepsen letter after his meeting with his staff, that the Smithsonian's readiness to participate in the Horner site dig in accordance with the conditions decided upon at several prior meetings was declared.