On March 7, 1808, President Thomas Jefferson received a long-awaited shipment of approximately 300 fossils from William Clark, who had just completed his westward expedition with Meriwether Lewis. The fossils were unearthed at Big Bone Lick in northern Kentucky, and over the years they had gained the interest of such prominent figures as Daniel Boone, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin. Jefferson's receipt of the fossils was the realization of more than twenty years of the philosopher-statesman's interest in the site and its natural treasures.

Big Bone Lick: The Cradle of American Paleontology recounts the rich history of the fossil site that gave the world the first evidence of the extinction of several mammalian species, including the American mastodon. Big Bone Lick has played many roles: nutrient source, hallowed ground, salt mine, health spa, and a trove of archaeological riches and paleontological wonders. Natural historian Stanley Hedeen presents a comprehensive and accessible narrative of Big Bone Lick from its geological formation forward, explaining why he site attracted first animals, then Native peoples of the region, European explorers and scientists, and ventually American pioneers and presidents.

Big Bone Lick is a history of both a place and a scientific discipline: it explores the infancy and adolescence of paleontology from its humble and sometimes humorous beginnings. Hedeen combines elements of history, geology, politics, and biology to make Big Bone Lick an entertaining story as well as a valuable historical resource.

Stanley Hedeen is professor emeritus of biology and former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Xavier University. He has written several books on the natural and environmental history of the greater Cincinnati region.

Reviews:

"Sure to be in demand, this is recommended for most collections." -Library Journal

"History and science come together in this fascinating story of a woodland salt lick and how the fossil bones found there influenced the beginnings of paleontology in America." -Publishersweekly.com

"History and science come together in this fascinating story of a woodland salt lick and how the fossil bones there influenced the beginnings of paleontology in America. Hedeen illuminates a time when the concept of extinction was considered outrageous, if not downright blasphemous since it violated the biblical doctrine of a 'perfect, unchanging creation.' Hedeen depicts a vibrant and exciting era." -Publishers Weekly

"Although it is difficult to produce a book that will both interest a wide audience and maintain scholarly integrity, Stanley Hedeen has succeeded in doing so with this history of the fossil beds at Big Bone Lick."-Marilyn B. Ogilvie, The Journal of Southern History

"Concerns a noted fossil site and its importance to the history of American paleontology." -Ronald Rainger, Historical Studies in the Natural Sciences