In the summer of 1876 in Montana while George Armstrong Custer and his troops were being cut down at Little Big Horn, Cope was out hunting for bones nearby. When it was pointed out to him that this was probably not the most prudent time to be taking treasures from Indian lands, Cope thought for a minute and decided to press on anyway.
In the summer of 1876, while George Armstrong Custer's forces faced defeat at the Battle of Little Big Horn, a paleontologist named Cope was nearby, searching for fossils. Despite the tense political climate and the ongoing conflict with Native Americans, he chose to continue his pursuit of paleontological treasures. This decision reflected his passion for his work, even amidst the turmoil of war.
Cope's determination highlights the contrasting priorities of scientific exploration and the dangerous realities of the time. His focus on hunting for bones, despite the warnings of the potential dangers, underscores the risks taken by early scientists in their quest for knowledge and discovery.