On August 12, 1990, fossil hunter Sue Hendrickson made one of paleontology's greatest discoveries when she uncovered the remarkably complete skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex in the Hell Creek Formation near Faith, South Dakota. The massive fossil, later named "Sue" in honor of its discoverer, would prove to be the most complete T. rex skeleton ever found, with over 90 percent of the bones preserved. This extraordinary find would revolutionize our understanding of these apex predators and become one of the most famous dinosaur specimens in the world, eventually taking its place as the centerpiece of Chicago's Field Museum.
The discovery occurred during what was supposed to be a routine fossil-hunting expedition. Hendrickson, working with the Black Hills Institute, was exploring the badlands when she noticed some vertebrae protruding from a cliff face—a find that would transform dinosaur paleontology and spark a decade-long legal battle over ownership rights.
A Fossil Hunter's Dream
Sue Hendrickson's discovery was the culmination of years of experience in paleontology and a keen eye for spotting fossilized remains in the challenging terrain of South Dakota's badlands. The Hell Creek Formation, dating back approximately 67 million years to the late Cretaceous period, had already yielded numerous dinosaur fossils, but nothing approached the completeness and preservation quality of this T. rex specimen.
The skeleton measured 42 feet long and stood 13 feet high at the hips, representing a massive adult Tyrannosaurus rex that lived at the very end of the dinosaur age. The exceptional preservation included not only the bones but also evidence of injuries and pathologies that provided unprecedented insights into the life of this ancient predator.
Scientific Goldmine
Sue's skeleton revealed numerous scientific treasures that advanced our understanding of T. rex biology and behavior. The fossil showed evidence of broken and healed ribs, suggesting these massive predators engaged in violent encounters with prey or other T. rex individuals. Bite marks on various bones provided evidence of both predation and scavenging behaviors, while the skull's exceptional preservation allowed scientists to study brain cavity structure and sensory capabilities.
From Courtroom to Museum
The discovery sparked a complex legal battle involving the Black Hills Institute, the Sioux tribe, the landowner, and the federal government, as different parties claimed ownership of the valuable specimen. After years of litigation, Sue was eventually auctioned at Sotheby's in 1997 for $8.36 million, making it the most expensive dinosaur fossil ever sold. The Field Museum in Chicago, supported by McDonald's Corporation and Disney, successfully bid for the specimen, ensuring it would remain accessible for scientific study and public education.
Sue's installation at the Field Museum in 2000 marked the beginning of a new era in dinosaur exhibition, with the skeleton becoming a global icon that has inspired countless visitors and advanced paleontological research for over two decades.