First scientific archaeological excavation

In 1783, future US president Thomas Jefferson attempted to solve the mystery of Indian burial mounds by excavating one on his property in Monticello, Virginia. Jefferson cut a trench through the mound and carefully analysed the different layers of earth. He noticed that bones in the different strata became less well preserved the lower they lay in the mound, indicating continuous use over time. Jefferson also noted that there were no signs of violence on the bones. Based on the evidence, he concluded the graves were not of fallen warriors but rather communal tribal burial mounds. His exacting methods of excavation and recording made Jefferson’s excavation the world’s first scientific archaeological excavation. Jefferson’s archaeological first also led to him being hailed as ‘The father of American Archeology’ and ‘The First American Archaeologist.’