The Observer: Julian Hayden at Pueblo Grande

Julian Hayden's archaeological fieldwork at Pueblo Grande from 1936 to 1940 represents one of his finest achievements in Southwestern archaeology. Yet until quite recently this work remained unknown, and for nearly four decades Hayden himself believed that his Pueblo Grande notes, maps, and drawings had been lost or discarded. This paper documents Hayden's remarkable archaeological excavations at Pueblo Grande, and credits him for salvaging Odd Halseth's otherwise largely destructive and non-informative archaeological program. It is argued that Hayden's accomplishments at Pueblo Grande, achieved when he was only in his mid-20s, confirm beyond a doubt his status as a professional archaeologist. Hayden's Pueblo Grande work also teaches important lessons about the kind of insight and skill that is demanded by top-notch fieldwork, and the potential folly of judging professional contributions in terms of academic credentials.