Those Who Walked Before: How Ice Age Footprints in New Mexico Retell the Stories of the First Americans

by Matthew Bennett, David F. Bustos, Daniel Odess

One of the most important archaeological discoveries of the last century, which rocked the field of archaeology and fundamentally shifted our collective knowledge of human occupation in the Americas.

On a warm winter day in 2005, while mending fences in the backcountry of White Sands National Park, David F. Bustos, the park’s biologist turned resource-program manager, spotted his first Ice Age human footprint. He initially ignored it as a print made from a modern cowboy boot, but it nagged him for years. As Bustos became adept at identifying the trackways of Ice Age megafauna, he could not shake the feeling that ancient humans had walked there too.

It turns out, Bustos was right.

With the expertise of archaeologist Daniel Odess, British geologist Matthew R. Bennett, and a vast team of researchers they uncovered what is now considered the longest fossilized footprint trail in the world. Preserved beneath layers of alkaline gypsum sand are the unmistakable footprints of early humans, evidence that rewrites the timeline for the initial peopling of the Americas and is arguably the most important archaeological discovery of the last hundred years.

Those Who Walked Fossil Footprints at White Sands is the riveting, first-person account of this extraordinary scientific journey that recounts in vivid detail the excitement of an evolving and ongoing research program complete with dramatic discoveries, disheartening failures, and significant impacts that have shifted our collective knowledge of Indigenous America.

Genres: Archaeology, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

Published April 14, 2026

About the author

Matthew Bennett (b. 1954) is a historian specialising in Medieval warfare.

Reviews

[September Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those Who Walked Before is a fascinating and deeply engaging account of one of the most groundbreaking archaeological discoveries in modern history. Matthew Bennett, David F. Bustos, and Daniel Odess bring readers directly into the unfolding scientific journey behind the fossilized human footprints at White Sands, transforming a major archaeological revelation into an accessible and compelling narrative.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to combine scientific rigor with the excitement of real world discovery. The authors vividly capture the persistence, curiosity, and collaboration that drove the research forward, from the earliest suspicions about the footprints to the extraordinary confirmation that ancient humans occupied the Americas far earlier than previously believed.

The storytelling is immersive and highly readable, balancing technical insight with human emotion and scientific wonder. Readers gain not only an understanding of the archaeological significance of the White Sands footprints, but also an appreciation for the painstaking fieldwork, debates, setbacks, and breakthroughs that shape major scientific discoveries.

Particularly compelling is the way the book reframes long standing conversations about the peopling of the Americas and highlights the importance of Indigenous history within the broader human story. The discovery itself challenges conventional timelines and invites readers to reconsider deeply rooted assumptions about early migration and human presence in North America.

Thought provoking, educational, and remarkably engaging, Those Who Walked Before stands as an important contribution to archaeology, anthropology, and public science writing. It is a captivating read for anyone interested in ancient history, scientific discovery, and the enduring traces left behind by the earliest humans.

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those Who Walked Before: Fossil Footprints at White Sands is the kind of book that quietly shifts your perspective without you even realizing it at first. I started it thinking I’d learn about a scientific discovery, but I ended up reflecting on human presence and time in a much deeper way. The idea that footprints something so temporary in our daily lives can survive for thousands of years is incredible. The authors take their time walking the reader through how this discovery unfolded, and that pacing really worked for me. It allowed the weight of the moment to build naturally instead of feeling forced. I also appreciated how the book didn’t try to present science as perfect or immediate. There’s doubt, hesitation, and revision throughout, which made everything feel real. By the end, I wasn’t just thinking about archaeology I was thinking about what it means to leave a trace behind. It’s rare for a nonfiction book to feel this reflective. Definitely one I’ll remember.

[Elijah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect this book to feel so personal, but it really does. There’s something about the way the story is told that makes you feel close to the discovery. You’re not just reading about it you’re experiencing the process alongside the people involved. The idea that these footprints represent real individuals, moving through a landscape thousands of years ago, is incredibly powerful. The authors capture that feeling without overexplaining it, which I appreciated. I also liked how the book highlights patience and observation as key parts of discovery. It’s not about sudden breakthroughs, but about paying attention over time. That message really stood out to me. The writing is clear and engaging, making it easy to stay connected from beginning to end. By the time I finished, I felt like I had gained more than just information. It left me thinking in a different way. Highly recommended.

[Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be much more thoughtful than I initially expected. It’s not just about the discovery itself, but about the process of understanding something new. The way the authors describe the early stages when the footprint was first noticed and then questioned really stood out to me. It shows how easy it is to overlook something important when it doesn’t fit what we expect. The setting at White Sands National Park adds a quiet, almost reflective tone to the entire story. You can picture the landscape and understand how something so significant could remain hidden for so long. I also liked how the book doesn’t rush to conclusions. It takes time to build the evidence and explain why it matters. That made the final realization feel more impactful. It’s not a fast paced read, but it’s definitely a meaningful one. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy thinking as much as learning.

[Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stayed with me most after finishing this book is the sense of connection it creates. The footprints described aren’t just scientific evidence they feel like moments frozen in time. The authors manage to bring that feeling across without being overly dramatic or emotional. Instead, they let the simplicity of the discovery speak for itself. I also appreciated the focus on collaboration, showing how different experts came together to interpret what they found. It gave me a better understanding of how complex discoveries actually happen. The writing is steady and clear, which makes it easy to stay engaged throughout. There are moments where you can feel the uncertainty, and that adds a lot to the experience. It reminds you that knowledge isn’t fixed it evolves. By the end, I felt like I had not only learned something new, but also seen history in a different way. A very rewarding read.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does a great job of showing how something small can lead to something incredibly significant. A single footprint might not seem like much at first, but here it becomes the starting point for a major shift in understanding. I liked how the authors didn’t try to make everything dramatic. Instead, they kept the tone grounded and let the importance come through naturally. The descriptions of the research process were particularly interesting to me. It’s not something you often see explained in detail, and it added a lot of depth. I also appreciated how accessible the writing is. Even when discussing more technical ideas, it never felt overwhelming. The pacing is steady, which works well for this type of story. It’s the kind of book you take your time with. Overall, it’s thoughtful, well-written, and worth the effort.