John L. Stephens

John L. Stephens
John L. Stephens was a prominent American explorer, diplomat, and writer, best known for his pioneering work in documenting ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. Along with architect Frederick Catherwood, Stephens extensively explored the ruins of the Maya civilization, and his detailed accounts were published in books such as "Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatán" and "Incidents of Travel in Yucatán." These works brought widespread attention to the Maya ruins, significantly influencing the field of archaeology. Stephens also played a key role in the planning and promotion of the Panama Railroad, an essential precursor to the Panama Canal.

Author's Books:


On the twenty-fourth of January we left Nohcacab. It was a great relief to bid farewell to this place, and the only regret attending our departure was the reflection that we should be obliged to return. The kindness and attentions of the padrecito and his brother, and, indeed, of all the villagers, had been unremitted, but the fatigue of riding twelve miles every day over the same ground, and the... more...

Embarcation.—Fellow-passengers.—A Gale at Sea.—Arrival at Sisal.—Ornithological Specimens.—Merida.—Fête of San Cristoval.—The Lottery.—A Scene of Confusion.—Principle of the Game.—Passion for Gambling.—A deformed Indian. The reader of my "Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan," may remember that the researches of Mr. Catherwood and myself in the... more...