Berlin–Ichthyosaur State Park
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is a 1,540-acre (620 ha) state park, 23 miles (37 km) east of Gabbs in far northwestern Nye County, 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.[1]
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 fossils are about 10 minutes' drive beyond Berlin Ghost Town.
Berlin Ghost Town
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.
Today, the ore mill still stands, and the stamps and mercury float tables can be viewed. Several additional buildings still stand including residential homes, blacksmith shop, stage coach shop with attached stable, machine shop and assay office. Some buildings are open to enter, while others offer interior views of their contents through the windows. There are also headworks on some of the mine shafts.
Activities
The park offers camping, picnicking and a nature trail. Guided tours of the fossil shelter are offered from March to November. Guided mine tours, which proceed approximately 500 feet (150 m) into a tunnel that connects with the Berlin Mine, are provided by park personnel. All other access to the underground works is prohibited and considered extremely dangerous.
References
- ^ Bryner, Jeanna (Oct 10, 2011), "Lair of Ancient 'Kraken' Sea Monster Possibly Discovered", news.yahoo.com, retrieved 2-11-11-09
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External links
Media related to Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park at Wikimedia Commons
