While Cope contemplated selling his precious collection, Marsh was named lead paleontologist for the US Geological Survey. This well-funded branch of the government often sponsored Westward expeditions, giving Marsh even more resources to vanquish his rival.
Mientras Cope contemplaba vender su preciosa colección, Marsh fue nombrado paleontólogo principal del Servicio Geológico de EE.UU. Esta bien financiada rama del gobierno a menudo patrocinaba expediciones, dándole a Marsh más recursos para vencer a su rival.