Edward Drinker Cope
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Internationally renowned vertebrate paleontologist and zoologist, Cope lived and worked here in his later years. He wrote many scientific papers describing hundreds of fossils & living animals and is famous for his long-standing feud with O.C. Marsh of Yale.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
The paleontologist and zoologist Edward Drinker Cope lived and worked in this Philadelphia neighborhood in his later years, producing a torrent of scientific papers that described hundreds of fossil and living species. He is best remembered for the "Bone Wars," his fierce, decades-long rivalry with Othniel Charles Marsh of Yale to unearth and name new dinosaurs. Their competition, however bitter, dramatically expanded American knowledge of prehistoric life.
Why it matters
Cope helped put American science on the world map during the Gilded Age, and his feud with Marsh drove one of the most productive—and infamous—chapters in the history of paleontology.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer1.2 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall1.3 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia1.3 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center1.4 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Hall1.4 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall1.4 mi away · PA
Attractions
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.6 mi away
- The Universal Sphere0.6 mi away
- Reading Terminal1.0 mi away
- Italian market1.1 mi away · Christian Street
- Chinatown Friendship Gate1.1 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- Rocky Steps1.3 mi away
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden1.2 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Munchie’s Cafe1.2 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily1.2 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory1.2 mi away
- Fat Salmon1.2 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill1.2 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City0.6 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City0.6 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites0.7 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express0.7 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn0.8 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City0.8 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Edward Drinker Cope
- · Othniel Charles Marsh
Related events
- · Bone Wars
Themes & tags
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