Morrisville in Wake County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

An Ancient Past

The Triassic Basin

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 1, 2023

1. An Ancient Past Marker

Inscription. During the Triassic Period, 220 million years ago, continental plates began to move apart and rip holes in the Earth's crust. The result was a large lake in the fissure that stretched from what today is modern Morrisville to Chapel Hill. Over time, the lake's sediments gradually formed sedimentary rocks and soil that retained large amounts of water. The poor soil plagued Morrisville's development into the 1980s when public sewer lines were built in the community.

(Caption) Fossil of Aetosaurus. Aetosaurus lived 210 million years ago in what would become western Wake County.

Erected by Morrisville History Center.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Features • Paleontology • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 35° 49.329′ N, 78° 49.651′ W. Marker is in Morrisville, North Carolina, in Wake County. It is on Morrisville Carpenter Road west of Church Street (North Carolina Road 1637), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Morrisville NC 27560, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Piedmont

and in the Research Triangle.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Morrisville Engagement (within shouting distance of this marker); The Trading Path (within shouting distance of this marker);

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Morrisville Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Pugh House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The New South (about 600 feet away); Skirmish at Morrisville (about 600 feet away); Keeping the Faith (about 700 feet away); William G. Clements (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morrisville.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 1, 2023

2. An Ancient Past Marker

via Dinosaur Alive Wiki, uploaded by Charlie1022 (CC BY-SA 3.0), September 17, 2023

3. Aetosaurus

Artistic rendition of the extinct reptilian, which typically was three feet long.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 296 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 17, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.