ACADEMIA Letters The Power of Archaeology in the Construction and Formation of National Identity: Early Americanist Archaeology (Pre-1850) Michael Fedorof University of Alabama 2020 As the profession of archaeology did not exist in America prior to 1850, most of the in- formation scholars have from this time are the result of contributions by collectors, historians, and/or antiquaries of the period. These contributions have been treated by modern historians in various ways—ranging from reverence to disdain. This essay examines the signifcance of three seminal fgures related to the fedgling discipline of American archaeology during its Speculative Period (Pre-1850), Thomas Jeferson, Caleb Atwater, and E.G. Squier (Willey and Sablof 1974). The focus of this examination will briefy review their background, mo- tives, methods, and results with the intent of arguing the importance of their archaeological infuence. Underscoring this argument, the common theme of nation building and identity formation within the American narrative (on local, national, and international levels) is pre- sented as primary drivers of their pursuits—not unlike Don Fowler’s notion of the past used in service of the state (Fowler 1987). Thomas Jeferson, a polymath with a meticulous and disciplined approach to empirical observation, was a caricature of American industry and innovation. It is no wonder that the architect of the Declaration of Independence and early American Statesman is also considered the Father of American archaeology. He was born a British subject in 1743, and inherited his Virginian estate (Monticello) at the age of 21 years old. His education at William and Academia Letters, March 2021 Corresponding Author: Michael Fedorof, mpfedorof@crimson.ua.edu Citation: Fedorof, M. (2021). The Power of Archaeology in the Construction and Formation of National Identity: Early Americanist Archaeology (Pre-1850). Academia Letters, Article 830. https://doi.org/10.20935/AL830. 1 ©2021 by the author — Open Access — Distributed under CC BY 4.0