Everything Everywhere Daily: The Cardiff Giant Episode Release Date: March 14, 2025

Host: Gary Arndt | Glassbox Media

Introduction

In the March 14, 2025 episode of Everything Everywhere Daily, host Gary Arndt delves into one of the 19th century's most intriguing hoaxes: The Cardiff Giant. This episode unpacks the story of the supposed petrified human giant discovered in Cardiff, New York, exploring its origins, the ensuing public frenzy, and its lasting legacy as a symbol of human gullibility and sensationalism.

Discovery of the Cardiff Giant

The saga begins in October 1869 when William C. Stubb Newell, a farmer in Cardiff, New York, hires workers to dig a well on his property. On October 16th, the workers stumble upon what appears to be a 10-foot-tall petrified human figure. Gary recounts:

"Two workers discovered what was claimed to be the remains of a 10-foot-tall petrified human being. The claim set off a fiery debate..." (00:00).

Initially perplexed, Newell considers reburying the figure. However, recognizing its financial potential, he erects a tent around the discovery and begins charging admission—50 cents per visitor, soon raised to a dollar. This decision transforms the site into a major attraction, drawing thousands of visitors within the first week and boosting local businesses significantly.

Public Reaction and Theories

As crowds flocked to witness the giant, various theories emerged regarding its origin:

1. Biblical Interpretation: Devout Christians saw the giant as proof of biblical accounts of giants in Genesis 6:4. They believed it validated their faith, arguing that the figure had been "petrified, similar to the way that wood can become petrified by minerals replacing organic matter" (00:50).

2. Indigenous Origins: Those knowledgeable about Native American history speculated that the giant was an ancient statue or religious idol crafted by indigenous peoples. They pointed to existing burial mounds and stone structures as potential evidence of prehistoric civilizations.

3. Skeptical Viewpoints: Geologist John F. Boynton dismissed the giant as a likely statue carved by French Jesuits in the 16th or 17th century to impress local natives. Pragmatic individuals, including local farmers and businesspeople, suspected the entire discovery was a "clever scam" aimed at financial gain.

"The whole matter was undoubtedly a hoax... it betrayed the qualities of a modern performance of a low order." (05:30) – Andrew D. White, President of Cornell University.

The Hoax Behind the Giant

The true mastermind behind the Cardiff Giant was George Hull, a fervent atheist and tobacconist from Birmingham, New York. Hull's motivation stemmed from a heated theological debate in Iowa, where he was appalled by literalist interpretations of the Bible, particularly concerning giants.

Determined to challenge biblical literalism and expose gullibility, Hull orchestrated an elaborate hoax:

1. Creation of the Giant: Hull commissioned sculptors to carve a lifelike giant from gypsum, a soft, easily carved sedimentary rock. The figure was meticulously crafted to appear ancient, featuring exaggerated details like visible ribs and a suffering facial expression. Surface treatments included washing with sulfuric acid and adding stains and scratches to simulate weathering.

2. Installation: The three-ton figure was discreetly transported to Cardiff and buried under tree roots on Newell's farm. Hull maintained secrecy, only revealing the giant over a year later to maximize curiosity and financial returns.

"The Cardiff Giant looked convincingly ancient... suggesting years of burial and exposure to the elements." (15:00).

The Rivalry and Aftermath

As the Cardiff Giant's popularity soared, attracting significant investment, a rivalry emerged with the famed showman P.T. Barnum. Barnum attempted to purchase the giant for $50,000, but upon being refused, he created his own replica, marketing it as the genuine article in New York City.

This rivalry underscored the rampant sensationalism of the era:

"There's a sucker born every minute," remarking Hannam after Barnum's deceitful maneuvers. (20:30).

In December 1869, amidst growing skepticism from scientists like Yale University's Othniel C. March, Hull publicly confessed the hoax. Rather than expressing shame, Hull defended his actions as a critique of blind faith.

Legacy of the Cardiff Giant

Despite being exposed as a hoax, the Cardiff Giant continued to captivate public interest:

• Exhibitions: The original giant was displayed at the 1901 Pan American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, and later ended up at the Farmers Museum in Cooperstown, New York, where it remains a historical exhibit.

• Influence on Subsequent Hoaxes: The Cardiff Giant inspired other 19th-century hoaxes, including the Solid Muldoon in Colorado and the Tiganic Giant in New York.

• Cultural Impact: The term "Cardiff Giant" has since become synonymous with elaborate hoaxes that exploit public curiosity and gullibility.

Barnum's replica found its home at Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum in Michigan, while another copy resides at the Fort Museum in Frontier Village, Iowa.

Conclusion

Gary Arndt's exploration of the Cardiff Giant in this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily highlights not only a fascinating historical event but also offers insights into human psychology and the allure of sensationalism. The Cardiff Giant stands as a testament to the lengths individuals will go to challenge prevailing beliefs and the public's enduring fascination with the mysterious and the extraordinary.

Time Stamps

• 00:00 - Introduction to the Cardiff Giant discovery.
• 00:50 - Initial public theories and reactions.
• 05:30 - Skeptical viewpoints and early suspicions.
• 15:00 - Details of the hoax creation.
• 20:30 - Rivalry with P.T. Barnum and subsequent events.

Note: Timestamps correspond to significant segments within the episode's transcript.

Producer Information:

• Executive Producer: Charles Daniel
• Associate Producers: Austin Okun and Cameron Kiefer

Listener Review: While listener interactions are part of the show's charm, specific reviews were omitted to maintain focus on the Cardiff Giant narrative.

The Cardiff Giant remains a compelling chapter in American history, embodying the intricate dance between belief, deception, and the insatiable human appetite for the extraordinary.