Berlin–Ichthyosaur State Park

Berlin–Ichthyosaur State Park is a state park of Nevada, USA, preserving several undisturbed ichthyosaur fossils of the species Shonisaurus popularis as well as the early-20th Century ghost town of Berlin. The park is located approximately 150 miles (240 km) east of Reno.

Ichthyosaur fossils were first discovered in the area in 1928. Excavations were conducted through the 1960s, and the remains of approximately 40 ichthyosaurs were found. Until 2004, these remains included the largest Ichthyosaurs ever discovered. Several specimens were left where they were found (in situ), and can be viewed by the public. These specimens are protected from the elements by a large barn.

The 1,540-acre (620 ha) park, 23 miles (37 km) east of Gabbs in far northwestern Nye County, has camping and picnicking. Guided mine tours are provided by park personnel, which proceed approximately 500 feet (150 m) into a tunnel that connects with the Berlin Mine. All other access to the underground works is prohibited and considered extremely dangerous.

Berlin Ghost Town

Park guide interpreting a life-size ichthyosaur image

Today the ore mill still stands, and the stamps and mercury float tables can be viewed. Several additional buildings are extant along with headworks on some of the mine shafts.

History

The town of Berlin sprang up in 1896 when substantial gold veins were discovered nearby. In total, the Berlin Mine produced 42,000 troy ounces (46,000 oz; 1,300,000 g) of gold, all removed from tunnels by hard rock mining techniques. The mine became unprofitable by 1911, and the town of Berlin became uninhabited shortly thereafter.

External links

Media related to Berlin–Ichthyosaur State Park at Wikimedia Commons

• State Park