Sue

The summer of 1990 (August 12) was like any other for Sue Hendrickson, a fossil hunter with a knack for unearthing treasures from the earth’s prehistoric past. As she combed the rugged badlands of South Dakota with a team from the Black Hills Institute, she could hardly have imagined that she was about to make one of the most significant paleontological discoveries in history. High above a sunbaked bluff, nestled within the rocky terrain, lay the skeletal remains of a Tyrannosaurus rex—soon to be known as Sue—the most complete and well-preserved T. rex fossil ever found.

The Black Hills Institute, a small paleontology organization based in Hill City, South Dakota, had been conducting fossil digs in the area for years, but nothing could have prepared them for what Sue Hendrickson uncovered on that fateful day in August. Spotting a few vertebrae jutting out from the hillside, Hendrickson quickly realized that these bones were different—larger, more robust, and hinting at a discovery of monumental proportions.

As the team began excavating, it became clear they had stumbled upon something extraordinary. Over 90% of the T. rex’s skeleton was intact, making it the most complete specimen ever discovered. The fossil, named Sue in honor of its discoverer, would soon capture the imagination of scientists and the public alike.

Sue’s discovery was a landmark event in the field of paleontology, not only because of the fossil’s completeness but also because of the incredible detail it preserved. Standing nearly 13 feet tall at the hips and stretching 40 feet in length, Sue offered scientists an unprecedented look at the anatomy, behavior, and lifestyle of one of history’s most fearsome predators.

Detailed analysis of Sue’s bones revealed growth patterns that shed light on how T. rex matured, lived, and died. Injuries evident in the fossil suggested a violent life, possibly filled with territorial battles or hunting mishaps. These findings, coupled with Sue’s sheer size and preservation, provided researchers with invaluable insights into the life of the T. rex, a species that had long fascinated scientists and the public.

However, the discovery of Sue was just the beginning of a much longer and more contentious journey. Shortly after the fossil’s excavation, a legal battle erupted over its ownership. The Black Hills Institute had obtained permission from the landowner, Maurice Williams, to excavate the fossil, but it soon emerged that the land was held in trust by the U.S. government for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.

What followed was a protracted legal struggle involving the Black Hills Institute, the U.S. government, and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, each claiming rights to the fossil. The case eventually culminated in 1997 with Sue being put up for auction at Sotheby’s. The bidding war that ensued highlighted the fossil’s immense value, both scientifically and monetarily. In the end, the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago acquired Sue for a staggering $8.36 million, with funding provided by major corporations like McDonald’s and Disney.

This legal saga not only determined Sue’s fate but also had lasting implications for fossil ownership laws and the paleontological community. The case raised important questions about who should have the right to own and profit from fossil discoveries, particularly those found on land with complex ownership histories.

Following the auction, Sue made her way to her new home at the Field Museum, where she quickly became the star attraction. Displayed in a dramatic, life-like pose, Sue’s massive skull, sharp teeth, and powerful limbs have drawn millions of visitors from around the world, making her one of the most iconic exhibits in the history of paleontology.

But Sue’s impact extends far beyond her role as a museum exhibit. She has played a critical role in educating the public about dinosaurs, paleontology, and the processes of scientific discovery. Interactive displays, educational programs, and ongoing research initiatives have ensured that Sue continues to inspire curiosity and learning for generations to come.

Sue’s discovery has had a profound impact not only on the field of paleontology but also on our cultural imagination. She has appeared in documentaries, books, and even inspired fictional depictions of the mighty T. rex in popular media. Beyond her scientific importance, Sue represents the enduring human fascination with the ancient past and the thrill of uncovering its secrets.

For paleontologists, fossil hunters, and the general public, Sue is more than just a collection of bones—she is a symbol of discovery, a reminder of the earth’s distant past, and a testament to the incredible creatures that once roamed our planet. The legacy of Sue’s discovery continues to influence the field of paleontology, inspiring new generations to explore, study, and appreciate the natural world.

Sue the T. rex remains one of the most important and celebrated fossil discoveries of all time. Her story is a testament to the power of curiosity, the thrill of discovery, and the ongoing quest to understand the ancient world. As we continue to study Sue and the many other fossils yet to be unearthed, we are reminded of the mysteries still buried beneath our feet—and the potential for future discoveries that could change our understanding of history and life on Earth.