Clams, snails, crabs, sharks, and giant mosasaurs living in Tennessee! That would be the scene approximately 70 million years ago in what is now West Tennessee as the ancient Gulf of Mexico covered the land. How do we know? A visit to Coon Creek Science Center will help answer this question.
Within the 232-acre grounds of Coon Creek Science Center, located in rural McNairy County, Tennessee, lies one of the most important fossil sites in North America. It was acquired by the Pink Palace Family of Museums in 1988 and as of May of 2020 is currently operated by the University of Tennessee at Martin, this property contains a treasure trove of superbly preserved Upper Cretaceous marine shells and vertebrate remains left there 70 million years ago when the water of the Gulf of Mexico receded. The site attracts both youth and international scientists. For more information please contact the UT Martin, Selmer/McNairy County Center:
UT Martin, Selmer/McNairy Center
(731) 646-1636
www.utm.edu
Coon Creek Science Center
2983 Hardin Graveyard Road
Adamsville, TN
Within the 232-acre grounds of Coon Creek Science Center, located in rural McNairy County, Tennessee, lies one of the most important fossil sites in North America. It was acquired by the Pink Palace Family of Museums in 1988 and as of May of 2020 is currently operated by the University of Tennessee at Martin, this property contains a treasure trove of superbly preserved Upper Cretaceous marine shells and vertebrate remains left there 70 million years ago when the water of the Gulf of Mexico receded. The site attracts both youth and international scientists. For more information please contact the UT Martin, Selmer/McNairy County Center:
UT Martin, Selmer/McNairy Center
(731) 646-1636
www.utm.edu
Coon Creek Science Center
2983 Hardin Graveyard Road
Adamsville, TN