A groundbreaking discovery of a 13,600-year-old Mastodon in southern Iowa will be the focus of a special presentation by the Quad Cities Archaeological Society.
Dr. John Doershuk, Iowa’s State Archaeologist and Adjunct Professor at the University of Iowa, will lead the free event on January 28 at 7 p.m. at the Deere-Wiman Carriage House.
An Unprecedented Find
The discovery was made in Wayne County in 2022 when a local resident stumbled upon a remarkably well-preserved femur in a drainage area.
The find has since become a significant research project involving the Prairie Trails Museum, University of Iowa researchers, and the Office of the State Archaeologist.
“This discovery has been truly exciting, not only because of the Mastodon’s age and preservation but also because it puts Iowa’s ancient past in the national spotlight,” said Mark Smith, Treasurer of the Quad Cities Archaeological Society.
Event Highlights
Dr. Doershuk’s presentation will cover:
- What Mastodons were and their significance in prehistoric Iowa
- The excavation process of such a massive and ancient creature
- Broader insights into the prehistoric fauna that once roamed the Midwest
The event is free and open to the public, with donations and memberships encouraged to support the Society’s work.
A Community-Driven Project
The Mastodon excavation stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration, bringing together residents, scientists, and institutions.
“This excavation has brought together many different people and organizations,” Doershuk noted. “It’s a testament to what can be achieved when communities work together to uncover their shared history.”
The remains of the Mastodon will undergo further analysis and conservation, with plans to display them at the Prairie Trails Museum.
For more information on the event and the Quad Cities Archaeological Society, visit their official website
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