Case file · Folklore / legend
The Michigan relics
From 1890, starting near Wyman in Montcalm County, thousands of clay, copper and slate artefacts with cuneiform-like signs and biblical scenes were 'found' across Michigan, promoted by James Scotford and later Daniel Soper.
1890 CE · 43.30, -85.15 · status: hoax
The sceptical view
Scholars recognised them as forgeries from the start; a 1911 investigation found evidence of manufacture, and Scotford's step-daughter later said she saw him making them.