What has been found at the Gray Fossil Site?

Over 100 species of ancient animals have been found at the Gray Fossil Site, including large animals like tapirs, rhinos, mastodons, and alligators and small animals like turtles, snakes, frogs, and rodents.

Can you dig at Gray Fossil Site?

The Hands On! Discovery Center’s Big Dig of the Gray Fossil Site is unlike any other exploratory program. Typically, when you think of going to a fossil site or museum, the exhibits are relocated from a lab or dig site.

How did the Gray Fossil Site form?

The Gray Fossil Site is a place where visitors can view and learn about an active Pliocene-era fossil dig site. Scientists believe the site was formed by an underground limestone cave that collapsed and created a sinkhole. This left a vast fossil deposit that dates back approximately 5 million years ago.

What is the age of the Gray Fossil Site?

between 4.5 and 4.9 million years old
The Gray Fossil Site is an Early Pliocene assemblage of fossils dating between 4.5 and 4.9 million years old, located near the town of Gray in Washington County, Tennessee.

Did dinosaurs live in Tennessee?

The first dinosaur bones found in Tennessee were actually discovered twice. One day in the University of Tennessee’s paleontology collection, five dinosaur fossils were found among the many artifacts. The records said they had been brought to Knoxville by paleontologist R. Lee Collins.

What is the most preserved dinosaur ever found?

nodosaur
Known as a nodosaur, this 110 million-year-old, armored plant-eater is the best preserved fossil of its kind ever found. On the afternoon of March 21, 2011, a heavy-equipment operator named Shawn Funk was carving his way through the earth, unaware that he would soon meet a dragon.

Was Tennessee ever underwater?

About four billion years ago the area which is now Tennessee was completely covered with water. The inhabitants of our state during this time were creatures like algae and jellyfish. Several billion years later, land began to emerge from the water as a result of mountain building.

Was Tennessee underwater?

During what geologists refer to as the Ordovician period, Middle Tennessee wasn’t just closer to the ocean—it was below it, submerged up to 100 feet in spots.

What is the Gray Fossil Site&Museum?

The site was discovered during road construction in May 2000, after which local officials decided to preserve the site for research and education. The site became part of East Tennessee State University, and the Gray Fossil Site & Museum was opened on the site in 2007.

Where can I see fossils in East Tennessee?

East Tennessee State University and General Shale Brick Natural History Museum and Visitor Center at the Gray Fossil Site in northeast Tennessee. The Gray Site is a Pliocene-epoch assemblage of fossils located near the unincorporated town of Gray, Tennessee in Washington County, and dates from 4.9 to 4.7 million years ago.

What is the gray site?

The Gray Site is a Pliocene-epoch assemblage of fossils located near the unincorporated town of Gray, Tennessee in Washington County, and dates from 4.9 to 4.7 million years ago.

What is the name of the museum in gray TN?

Gray Fossil Museum. The Gray Fossil Museum, officially known as the East Tennessee State University and General Shale Brick Natural History Museum and Visitor Center, displays some of the fossil finds from the Gray Fossil Site. Fossils on exhibit include a saber-toothed cat, short-faced bear, ground sloth, rhinoceros, alligator, camel,…