Amarillo in Potter County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
American Mammoths
Site of Significant Archaeological Find
The extinct American mammoths were closely related to the modern elephants of Africa and Asia. They migrated from Asia into America early in the Pleistocene Epoch, or Ice Ages, more than 1,000,000 years ago. They thrived on this continent until the end of that epoch, when they disappeared, along with many other ice age animals such as the giant bison, ground sloth, horse, camel, and other lesser animals. The causes of this extinction are still being investigated.
There were several species of mammoths, some of them much larger than modern elephants. Remains of mammoths are so abundant in Pleistocene deposits of the Texas Panhandle that they serve as "Index Fossils" for beds of that age. Early inhabitants of North America, such as men of the Clovis Culture (circa 12,000 to 15,000 years ago), pursued the mammoth as a means of subsistence.
Preservation of history is a policy of the Santa Fe Railway System. See exhibit, foyer of this building.
Erected 1966 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 4887.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.
Location. 35° 12.269′ N, 101° 50.268′ W. Marker is in Amarillo, Texas, in Potter County. Marker is at the intersection of South Polk Street and SW 9th Avenue, on the right when traveling south on South Polk Street. Marker is on the southwest corner. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Amarillo TX 79101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Amarillo Story (here, next to this marker); Santa Fe Building (a few steps from this marker); Fisk Medical Arts & Professional Building (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Bivins Home (about 500 feet away); Louis H. Smith, Inc. Firestone Store (about 600 feet away); Central Presbyterian Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Old First Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Polk Street Schools (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amarillo.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 534 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 15, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.