Prescott Arizona Giant Skeleton
GIANT SKELETON FOUND
UPON ARIZONA RANCH
Weekly Journal Miner, Prescott, Arizona, August 9, 1911, pg 4.
5. The skeleton of a human being twice as
large as any man living today was
found here by Peter Mars on his
farm northwest of here. The skeleton
is perfect. The bones do not
resemble those of ancient tribes
found in Verde and other valleys of
this country,
Medford mail tribune., August 06, 1911, SECOND SECTION, pg 9, Image 9
About Medford mail tribune. (Medford, Or.) 1909-1989
“One of the most wonderful discoveries of prehistoric life that has ever been made in Arizona, was reported yesterday by Peter Marx, of Juniper, and corroborated by E. S. Clark, attorney, which reveals the existence of a race of people, that is not generally accredited to the primitive era, in the huge proportions of a skeleton that is now in the possession of Mr. Marx. In detailing what was discovered by mere accident on his farm early in the present week, Mr. Marx gave the following interesting account of his discovery. “The bones of this monstrous human may have represented a race of men or a single individual. At any rate, the skeleton of the man in my possession, is sufficiently complete so that the dimensions, which are astounding, may be accurately ascertained and so far as the present generation is to be considered from what I can learn, there is no comparison to be formed. In the first place the skull is of such an abnormal size that if the average man of this day placed it over his head, he still would find room to move it backwards and forwards and up and down with ease, without disturbing his natural position. From measurements taken of this skull, a number 10 hat would be required to fit it. The teeth, several of which are still imbedded in the jawbone, substantiate the immense size of the head. As to the bones, there is no disputing the fact that the owner was symmetrically formed of immense size and herculean strength. The thigh and lower limbs indicate at least twice the size of the average man of today.”
also: Weekly Journal Miner, Prescott, Arizona, August 9, 1911, pg 4.
Peter Marx and his ranch are listed in The Smithsonian Annual report from 1911 because of the stone ruins found on his property. I spoke with the National Park Service and they informed me that the Marx ranch is now on private land. The other turn of this story is reported in the Arizona Journal Miner October 13, 1911, pg 3, titled “Refuses to sell skeleton of Giant”. Mr. Marx was visited by a Mr. Shoupe from the Smithsonian who took pictures of the skeleton and offered to buy it, Marx refused to sell, at least at that moment. From the article, “Mr. Shoupe the former an attaché of the Smithsonian Institute at Washington, who made the long journey especially for the purpose of viewing the frame of the giant of other days, was provided with photographic instruments and took several pictures of the freak. He also desired to take it to Washington but this request was held up by Mr. Marx until later, and after he ascertains whether Arizona desires it for its probable state museum.” Jim Vieira Your Daily Giant 12/25/2013
- Weekly Journal Miner, Prescott, Arizona, August 9, 1911, pg 4.
- Medford mail tribune., August 06, 1911, SECOND SECTION, pg 9, Image 9
About Medford mail tribune. (Medford, Or.) 1909-1989
3. Jim Vieira Your Daily Giant 12/25/2013 https://en-gb.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=528992503862898&id=377285419033608
4.weekly journal miner, 26 july 1911 pg 6
5. Detroit Times, 1911.
Would like more information.
I am doing my best Zondra 🙂 I will add more as i get it.
What was the eventual outcome..?? Did the Smithsonian eventually obtain possession of the skeleton..? Thx..
-R
I, too, am very curious has to the outcome of this skeleton ? Did it ever get to the Smithsonian ? Because these giant size skeletons have been found world wide it should be great of interest.