See What Archeologists in Iowa Unearthed After 13,600 Years

It's nice to see these coming out of the ground like this. Archaeologists in Iowa have made a significant discovery with the unearthing of a well-preserved mastodon skull, dating back approximately 13,600 years. This find, located in the southern part of the state, is Iowa’s first notable mastodon and includes several bones primarily from the skull. The timing of this mastodon’s life aligns with the era when the first humans were inhabiting the region. I wonder if this mastodon knew the Flintstones.

The excavation began in 2022 when a local resident found a large bone embedded in a creek bed on private land. The bone, identified as a mastodon femur, prompted further investigation. Last fall, archaeologists also discovered a broken tusk that was likely attached to the mastodon’s skull. With additional funding secured, the team returned this month for a 12-day dig, uncovering more mastodon bones from the same animal.

During the excavation, archaeologists also found several stone tools, which, although dated to a few thousand years after the mastodon’s time, represent the earliest evidence of human activity in the creek area. Researchers are now analyzing the bones to determine if there are signs of human interaction, such as cut marks or artifacts that might suggest the mastodon was hunted and butchered by early humans.

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This discovery is part of a broader trend of significant prehistoric finds across the U.S. Recently, mammoth tusks have been discovered in Mississippi, Florida, and North Dakota.

Once analyzed and conserved, the mastodon bones will be featured in a new exhibit at the Prairie Trails Museum in Corydon.

This one is for you.  Do you know who the most famous mastodon was? Mastadon Knotts, or Mastodon Johnson, maybe Mastodon McClean? Once again, you're welcome!