The state of Missouri possesses one of the richest and most significant paleontological sites in the nation. The Mastodon State Historic Site in Imperial, Missouri contains the Kimmswick Bone Bed, the site that yielded one of the most important finds in the history ? Mastodon bones.
The site?s rich deposits of artifacts attracted the attention of the global scientific community. In 1979, history was made when scientists unearthed a Paleolithic stone spear alongside Mastodon bones. This proved the co-existence of the Clovis culture and these elephant ancestors.
This 425-acre site also contains a museum where visitors can learn the natural and cultural history of the place. A full-size mastodon replica is the museum?s main attraction. Several recreational activities are also encouraged such as picnic, nature watching and camping. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Place in 1980.
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