Sue, one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever discovered, represents a significant paleontological find. Its extensive fossilized remains have provided researchers with valuable insights into the anatomy and biology of this predator. Its journey from discovery in South Dakota to its prominent display in a major museum highlights its scientific importance and public interest.
The Initial Discovery
Sue was discovered on August 12, 1990, on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, near Faith, South Dakota. Susan Hendrickson, a fossil collector with the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, found the fossil while exploring a cliff face as her team addressed a flat tire. Hendrickson observed bone fragments at the cliff’s base and larger bones protruding from the rock above. She reported her findings to Peter Larson, president of the Black Hills Institute, who recognized the bones as belonging to a Tyrannosaurus rex. This suggested a remarkably complete skeleton might be encased within the rock.
Excavation and Preparation
Following the discovery, a Black Hills Institute team began excavating the fossil. Six people took 17 days to extract the bones from the ground. The team wrapped the excavated bones in plaster jackets for transport from the site. The bones were then moved to the Black Hills Institute’s facility in Hill City, South Dakota, for preparation, where scientists began cleaning the fossilized remains by removing the surrounding rock matrix from each bone before study and display.
The Battle for Ownership
Shortly after Sue’s discovery, a legal dispute arose over its ownership. The Black Hills Institute had paid Maurice Williams, the landowner and a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, $5,000 for excavation rights. However, the land was held in trust by the United States Department of the Interior, requiring federal permission for removal. Williams later claimed the payment was only for searching and cleaning, not for sale, leading to conflicting ownership claims.
Federal agents, including the FBI, seized the fossil from the Black Hills Institute in 1992, citing lack of government consent. After legal proceedings, a U.S. district court ruled in April 1993 that the fossil belonged to the trust. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld this in October 1994, granting ownership to Maurice Williams and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
With legal rights settled, the Bureau of Indian Affairs permitted Williams to sell Sue at public auction. On October 4, 1997, Sue was auctioned at Sotheby’s in New York City, fetching a record-breaking $8.36 million. The Field Museum in Chicago, with significant financial support from McDonald’s Corporation and Walt Disney World Resort, secured the winning bid, ensuring the fossil would be accessible.
Display and Legacy
Sue is now displayed at the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois. The skeleton made its public debut on May 17, 2000, becoming a central attraction for the museum. At over 40 feet long and 13 feet tall at the hip, Sue is one of the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex specimens ever found, with approximately 90 percent of its bulk recovered. The fossil serves as an important specimen for ongoing scientific research, providing paleontologists with unparalleled data on T. rex anatomy and biology. Beyond its scientific value, Sue has become a significant educational tool, captivating millions of visitors and fostering a deeper appreciation for prehistoric life. Its story continues to fascinate, highlighting the intersection of scientific discovery, legal complexities, and public engagement.