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Hyde Exploring Expedition facts for kids

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The Hyde Exploring Expedition was an important journey of discovery that took place in the late 1800s. It was funded by two brothers, Talbot and Fred Hyde Jr., who were interested in learning about ancient cultures. The expedition focused on exploring Chaco Canyon in what is now New Mexico. This area is famous for its amazing ancient buildings left behind by the Ancestral Pueblo people.

What Was the Hyde Exploring Expedition?

The Hyde Exploring Expedition was a team of archaeologists and explorers. They worked in Chaco Canyon from 1896 to 1901. Their main goal was to study and excavate ancient sites, which means carefully digging up and examining old ruins and artifacts. This helped them learn more about the people who lived there long ago.

Who Led the Expedition?

The expedition was officially led by Dr. George H. Pepper, a skilled archaeologist. He guided the team's work in the field. The Hyde brothers, Talbot and Fred Hyde Jr., provided the money needed for the expedition to happen. They were very interested in archaeology and wanted to support this important research. Another key person involved was Richard Wetherill, an experienced explorer who knew the Chaco Canyon area well.

Where Did They Explore?

The expedition explored Chaco Canyon, a special place located in the Colorado Plateau region of New Mexico. Chaco Canyon is known for its large, complex stone buildings called "great houses." These structures were built by the Ancestral Pueblo people between 850 and 1250 AD. Today, Chaco Canyon is a National Historical Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical and cultural importance.

Why Did the Expedition End?

The Hyde Exploring Expedition came to an end in 1901. This happened because of some disagreements and concerns raised by Edgar L. Hewett, another important figure in archaeology at the time. These concerns were about how the expedition was conducting its archaeological surveys. Because of these issues, the work of the Hyde Exploring Expedition in Chaco Canyon stopped.

What Was the Outcome?

After the expedition ended, an investigation was carried out by Steven Holsinger from the US General Land Office. This investigation looked into the concerns that had been raised. In the end, the investigation found that the Hyde brothers and their partner, Richard Wetherill, had done nothing wrong. This meant they were cleared of the accusations, and their work was seen as proper.

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