George Hull was an American businessman and a prominent figure in the 19th century, best known for his role in creating the famous Cardiff Giant. Born in 1820, Hull was a skilled carpenter and a master of deception, which he used to his advantage in his most famous hoax. In 1868, Hull carved a large statue from gypsum and buried it in Cardiff, New York. He later claimed it was a petrified prehistoric man, sparking widespread public interest and debate. The Cardiff Giant became a sensation, highlighting Hull's ingenuity and the fascination with paleontology during that era.