Great Dinosaur Smash Up

The Great Dinosaur Smash Up refers to the mysterious destruction of a museum's dinosaur models in New York City in 1871. This event has captivated historians and scientists for over 150 years, with various theories surrounding its cause. The incident involved the smashing of life-sized dinosaur models, which were intended for a museum showcasing prehistoric life. The destruction of these models was a significant loss for the field of paleontology and a fascinating historical mystery.

Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins

Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins was a British artist and sculptor who played a pivotal role in the development of the Paleozoic Museum in New York City. He was known for his detailed drawings of prehistoric life, including those for Charles Darwin. Hawkins designed and built life-sized concrete models of dinosaurs for the museum, which were intended to be a groundbreaking exhibit. His work was instrumental in popularizing interest in dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. Hawkins's vision for the museum was ambitious and innovative, and his contributions to the field of paleontology are significant.

Henry Hilton

Henry Hilton was the treasurer of the Central Park Board in New York City during the 1870s. He was known for his eccentric personality and disregard for artifacts. Hilton was responsible for overseeing the construction and maintenance of Central Park, including the temporary workshop where Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins was building the dinosaur models. He is believed to have ordered the destruction of the models, likely out of personal animosity towards Hawkins. Hilton's actions have been the subject of much debate and speculation, and his role in the Great Dinosaur Smash Up remains a fascinating historical mystery.

Paleozoic Museum

The Paleozoic Museum was a planned museum in New York City that was intended to showcase life-sized dinosaur models. The museum was a groundbreaking project for its time, as it would have been the first of its kind to feature such realistic representations of prehistoric life. The museum was never completed due to the destruction of the dinosaur models in 1871. The Paleozoic Museum remains a fascinating example of the early development of paleontology and the public's fascination with dinosaurs.

Boss Tweed

Boss Tweed was a powerful and corrupt politician in New York City during the mid-1800s. He was the leader of the Tammany Hall political machine, which controlled much of the city's government. Tweed was known for his involvement in various scandals, including vote rigging, extortion, and bribery. He was accused of being behind the destruction of the dinosaur models, but evidence suggests that he was not involved. Tweed's legacy is one of corruption and political manipulation, and his name is synonymous with the era of political machines in American history.

Central Park

Central Park is a large urban park in the middle of Manhattan, New York City. It was designed in the mid-1800s and is a popular destination for recreation, relaxation, and cultural events. The park was created by displacing hundreds of New Yorkers, including many Black residents. The Paleozoic Museum was planned to be located in Central Park, and the destruction of the dinosaur models occurred on park grounds. Central Park is a significant landmark in New York City and a symbol of the city's urban planning and cultural heritage.

American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is a world-renowned natural history museum located in New York City. It was founded in 1869, just a few years before the Great Dinosaur Smash Up. The museum is known for its extensive collections of dinosaur fossils, as well as its exhibits on other aspects of natural history. The museum's proximity to Central Park and its potential rivalry with the Paleozoic Museum have led to speculation about its involvement in the dinosaur smash up. The American Museum of Natural History is a significant cultural institution and a major tourist attraction in New York City.