The Gilded Age “Bone Wars” and the Birth of Paleoindian Archaeology: Williston, Martin, Overton, and the 12 Mile Creek Site

Abstract

The 12 Mile Creek Paleoindian site, excavated in 1895-6, was the first scientifically excavated Paleoindian site. Reported by Williston in 1902, at a time prior to the establishment of standards of evidence, he was left with little recourse but to affirm the experience and skills of the site's excavators, H. T. Martin and Thomas R. Overton. In fact, all three men were products of the Gilded Age “Bone Wars,” the highly public feud waged between O. C. Marsh and E. D. Cope. By the time the 12 Mile Creek site was dug, they had amassed considerable experience in fossil collection and preparation. Despite this and Williston's assurance, the site was not generally accepted by the anthropological elite of the day. This article fills in biographical information on these men and also adds new information, from period newspaper accounts that provide additional insights into the history of the site. These were published in the wake of the Lansing “Man” finds in 1902-3 and on the opening in 1906 of an exhibit featuring a reconstruction of a bison from the 12 Mile Creek site.