Ancient America, in Notes on American Archaeology

First published in 1871, Ancient America by John D. Baldwin offers a groundbreaking survey of North America's prehistoric past, synthesizing diverse accounts from the Paleo Indian era to the Mound Builders and the civilizations of Mexico and Central America. Baldwin challenges prevailing Eurocentric narratives, asserting the originality of these indigenous cultures as products of local innovation. Drawing from his correspondence with contemporary scholars, this seminal work sets a foundation for understanding American antiquities in a global archaeological framework.