02 July 2004

Historic archaeological find in Utah

Utah rancher Waldo Wilcox kept a secret for more than half a century about the long ago inhabitants of his land.

Many news reports in recent days have described what only Wilcox and a handful of others knew about the remote ranch in the rugged Books Cliff region some 200 kilometers (about 130 miles) from Salt Lake City.

Now the secret is out: The Wilcox Ranch is home to what may be one of the most important archaeological sites in the U.S. Archaeologists who have visited the place were stunned to find undisturbed mummies, rock houses, and countless exposed artifacts lying on the ground in full view.

Wilcox, who is 74, decided to sell his ranch to those who will insure that it is properly cared for and studied. At least that was his goal.

The Associated Press broke this story. You can read more about the spectacular ruins and artifacts at the Wilcox ranch, and Wilcox's concerns about their preservation, in "Ancient Indian Settlement Found in Utah" by Paul Foy in the Las Vegas Sun, 24 June 2004 at www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/thrive/2004/jun/24/062403408.html

Even if you are only minimally interested in archaeology, Foy's article is must reading.

Forrest M. Mims III.