Stephen D. Peet

Stephen D. Peet (1831-1914) was an American archaeologist, ethnographer, and writer who is known for his pioneering work in the study of Native American cultures and archaeology. His work helped to establish the scientific study of archaeology in the United States.

Peet was born in Andover, Ohio, and grew up on a farm. He attended Oberlin College, where he studied theology, and later served as a pastor in various churches. However, his interests gradually turned towards archaeology and Native American studies. He began studying the mounds and earthworks of Ohio and became convinced that they were built by prehistoric Native Americans. In 1873, he founded the American Antiquarian, a journal devoted to the study of archaeology and Native American history.

Peet believed that the study of Native American cultures was essential to understanding the history of the United States. He advocated for the preservation of Native American artifacts and sites, and he worked to establish the first laws protecting such sites in the United States. He also believed in the importance of education, and he wrote extensively on the history and culture of Native American peoples.

Peet's most famous works include "The Mound Builders," "Prehistoric America," and "The Cliff Dwellers of the Mesa Verde." These books provided a detailed description of the culture, history, and architecture of various Native American tribes and societies. They also helped to establish the scientific study of archaeology and Native American studies in the United States.

Peet's philosophy was rooted in a deep respect for Native American cultures and a desire to understand and preserve them. He believed that the study of these cultures was essential to understanding the history of the United States and that they had much to teach us about our own culture and values.

Stephen D. Peet died in 1914, but his legacy lives on in the field of archaeology and Native American studies. He is remembered as a pioneering scholar who helped to establish the scientific study of archaeology in the United States and who worked tirelessly to preserve and understand the cultures of Native American peoples.