Cherry Hill in Orem in Utah County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Partial Columbian Mammoth Remains Unearthed at This Site

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, May 31, 2026

1. Partial Columbian Mammoth Remains Unearthed at This Site Marker

Inscription. In 1937, Daniel Thomas was digging a trench in this yard, at this location to connect into Orem City's new municipal water system. He uncovered what appeared to be a large ancient tooth. Further excavation by a team of archaeologists sent by the University of Utah resulted in the discovery of portions of a Columbian Mammoth. The skull and several other bones were eventually located. They are currently housed at the University of Utah's Museum of Natural History in Salt Lake City. Columbian Mammoths, ancient ancestors of modern elephants lived in this area between 11,000 and 50,000 years ago.

The Thomas home was demolished in 1993 when the Dixon Paper Company Store was built on this location.

Erected by City of Orem Historial Preservation Advisory Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Paleontology. A significant historical year for this entry is 1937.

Location. 40° 15.861′ N, 111° 40.851′ W. Marker is in Orem, Utah, in Utah County. It is in Cherry Hill. It is on South Columbia Lane, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1800 S Columbia Lane, Orem UT 84058, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Wasatch Front

and in Greater Provo.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in Colorado Plateau.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pioneer Cemetery (approx. half a mile away); The City of Provo was founded in 1849 by Mormon pioneers

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(approx. 0.8 miles away); Home of the Brave Memorial (approx. 1.1 miles away); First Orem Chapel (approx. 1.3 miles away); Cedo Building (Former LDS Seminary) (approx. 1.4 miles away); Saw and Grist Mill (approx. 1.4 miles away); George A. Smith Provo Pioneer Village (approx. 1.7 miles away); Utah’s Largest Indian Battle was Called the “Battle of Provo River.” (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Orem.

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, May 31, 2026

2. Partial Columbian Mammoth Remains Unearthed at This Site Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2026, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 2, 2026, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.