Mazon Creek Fossil Beds
Also known as: Mazon River, Benson Farm, Fossil Bed FarmBenson Rd., 3 mi. SE of Morris, Morris, Illinois
Map
Coordinates:
+41.32716, -88.3638541°19'38" N, 88°21'50" W
Quadrangle map:Coal City
Description
The Mazon Creek Fossil Beds are important in the history of U.S. geology. When they were discovered in the mid-19th century, the beds provided the best and earliest representations of the oldest plants and animals known. Sites where fragile fossils are common and well preserved (here in distinctive ironstone nodules) are exceedingly rare. The Mazon Creek beds continue to be a prolific source of fossils. -- National Historic Landmark statement of significance, September 25, 1997
National Register information
- Status
- Posted to the National Register of Historic Places on September 25, 1997
- Reference number
- 97001272
- Area of significance
- Science
- Level of significance
- National
- Evaluation criteria
- A - Event; B - Person
- Property type
- Site
- Historic function
- Natural feature
- Current function
- Natural feature
- Periods of significance
- 1850-1874; 1875-1899; 1900-1924; 1925-1949