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.