List of years in archaeology       (table)
… 1878 .  1879 .  1880 .  1881  . 1882  . 1883  . 1884 … 1885 1886 1887 -1888- 1889 1890 1891 … 1892 .  1893 .  1894 .  1895  . 1896  . 1897  . 1898 …    In science: 1885 1886 1887 -1888- 1889 1890 1891
Related time period  or  subjects
… 1885 . 1886 . 1887 - 1888 - 1889 . 1890 . 1891 … … 1850s . 1860s . 1870s -1880s- 1890s . 1900s . 1910s … … 18th century . 19th century . 20th century …
Art . Archaeology . Architecture . Literature . Music . Science +...

The year 1888 in archaeology involved some significant events.

Explorations

• Chaco Canyon is surveyed and photographed by Victor and Cosmos Mindeleff of the Bureau of American Ethnology.

Excavations

• Excavations of Nippur sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania begin (continues through 1900).

Finds

• December: Discovery of three villages by Richard Wetherill and his brother-in-law Charlie Mason while tracking stray cattle: Cliff Palace, Spruce Tree House, and Square Tower House; now part of Mesa Verde National Park.

Publications

• American Anthropologist journal is founded.
• First issue of the National Geographic Magazine is published.

Awards

Miscellaneous

• National Geographic Society formed in the United States.

Births

Deaths