American Mastodon (Mammut americanum)

The American mastodon (Mammut americanum) is a late Pliocene/Pleistocene relative of modern elephants whose fossils have been found only in North America. The discovery of the mastodon has played a central role to the emergence of the science of paleontology and the national identity of the young United States.

First discovered in 1705, this mysterious giant would fuel the imagination and curiosity of theologians, philosophers, patriots and scientists from both sides of the Atlantic throughout the 18th century and into the early part of the 19th century. Thomas Jefferson was one of the people captivated by this giant creature. He spent considerable effort and expense in securing its fossils; most of the fossils in the Thomas Jefferson Fossil Collection belong to this species.

The following pages are available:

• History of the Discovery
  • Part 1: First Reports
  • Part 2: Enter the French
  • Part 3: Enter the British
  • Part 4: Enter the Americans
  • Part 5: Jefferson's Notes
  • Part 6: The Search Heats Up
  • Part 7: Peale's Mammoth
  • Part 8: Fossils in the White House
  • Part 9: Meanwhile, in Europe
  • Part 10: Epilogue
• More About Mastodons
• Mastodon Fossil Gallery
  • Calcaneum (heel bone)
  • Humerus (upper forelimb bone)
  • Lower Jaw (outside view)
  • Lower Jaw (inside view)
  • Molar Tooth (adult, little wear)
  • Molar Tooth (adult, some wear)
  • Molar Tooth (adult, extreme wear)
  • Premolar Tooth (juvenile)
  • Patella (kneecap)
  • Tibia (shin bone)
  • Tusk
  • Ulna (forearm bone)
  • Vertebra (back bone)