The Prehistoric Palmetto State Special

The rhythmic crash of ocean waves has captivated humanity for centuries, evoking feelings of wonder and mystery. But beyond their surface beauty, the oceans also hold the key to understanding our planet’s prehistoric past. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Palmetto State, where the ancient landscapes of South Carolina reveal a treasure trove of natural history dating back millions of years.

Josh Davis, a photographer at WPD, embarked on a journey to explore the prehistoric secrets hidden within South Carolina’s shores. His investigation began at Hurl Rocks Park in Myrtle Beach, where fossilized rocks, tens of thousands of years old, lie beneath layers of sand. These rocks, partially obscured by human efforts to beautify the beaches, were first documented in 1776 by famed naturalist William Bartram. Bartram described the area as having “cliffs of rocks,” a striking feature that today remains partially buried.

To dig deeper into the history of these fossils, Davis visited Paul Gayes, executive director of Coastal Carolina University’s Center for Marine and Wetland Studies. According to Gayes, fossilization is a rare process that requires specific conditions—such as the presence of hard parts like bones or teeth, and rapid burial to protect remains from decay. The fossilized beaches in Myrtle Beach, though only about 80,000 years old, represent a mere blink in geological time.

From Rocky Shores to Ancient Giants

South Carolina’s coastline, dramatically different 80,000 years ago, tells a story of change. During the Pleistocene epoch—a period commonly known as the Ice Age—global sea levels were more than 400 feet lower than today, placing the shoreline 60 miles further out. The region’s climate was cooler, and its fauna vastly different. Among the ancient inhabitants were massive predators, such as the prehistoric Megalodon shark.

The Megalodon, whose teeth are found along South Carolina’s coast, was the largest shark to ever exist. Measuring up to 60 feet long, this apex predator dominated the oceans for millions of years. Its teeth, which can reach sizes double that of a great white shark’s, are some of the few remnants we have of this colossal creature. Fossils like these have made South Carolina a hotspot for paleontology enthusiasts.

Charleston: A Paleontological Hub

To learn more about Megalodon and other prehistoric animals, Davis visited the Charleston Museum, the oldest museum in the United States. Founded in 1773, the museum houses fossils that provide insights into the ancient ecosystems of the region. Matt Gibson, the museum’s curator of natural history, explained that while Megalodon teeth are common, other parts of its skeleton, made of cartilage, rarely fossilize. The teeth, however, speak volumes about the shark’s size and feeding habits.

South Carolina’s prehistoric legacy extends beyond the oceans. The state’s ancient landscapes were once home to massive land mammals, including the Colombian Mammoth and the giant ground sloth. The Colombian Mammoth, which stood 13 feet tall at the shoulder and weighed over 20,000 pounds, roamed the grasslands of the Palmetto State. Its fossilized teeth were the first recorded fossils in North America, discovered near the Stono River in 1725.

The Mystery of the First Fossil

The story of the Colombian Mammoth’s discovery is steeped in mystery. The tooth, found by an enslaved person on a plantation near Charleston, was later sent to France, where it was described by Georges Cuvier, the “father of paleontology.” Unfortunately, the tooth’s current location is unknown, as it disappeared in France. Despite this, the discovery marked a pivotal moment in North American paleontology, establishing South Carolina as a significant site for fossil finds.

A Young Advocate’s Legacy

The Colombian Mammoth’s impact on South Carolina’s history doesn’t end there. In 2014, eight-year-old Olivia McConnell of New Zion, South Carolina, noticed that the state lacked an official fossil. Inspired by her love of fossils, she wrote to her local senator, advocating for the Colombian Mammoth to become the state fossil. Her efforts paid off, and the Colombian Mammoth was officially designated as South Carolina’s state fossil, cementing its place in the state’s cultural and natural heritage.

Ancient Titans of Land and Sky

Beyond the Colombian Mammoth, South Carolina’s prehistoric past includes an array of fascinating creatures. The giant ground sloth, for example, stood 13 feet tall and weighed over 10,000 pounds. Its massive claws, each over a foot long, made it a formidable presence, even though it was a herbivore. Early fossil records of these claws were once mistakenly believed to belong to lions.

The skies above ancient South Carolina were no less impressive. The largest flying bird in history, Pelagornis sandersi, once soared over the state. With a wingspan of 24 feet, this bird rivaled the size of small airplanes. Discovered during construction at Charleston International Airport, Pelagornis sandersi lived a lifestyle similar to modern albatrosses, gliding over oceans and scooping up fish with its tooth-like beak projections.

A Prehistoric Legacy

South Carolina’s prehistoric treasures are not just scientific curiosities; they’re a testament to the state’s rich natural history and its connection to a world that existed long before humans. From the fossilized beaches of Myrtle Beach to the towering skeletons housed in the Charleston Museum, these remnants of the past inspire curiosity and wonder.

As we continue to uncover the secrets of South Carolina’s ancient landscapes, we gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped our world. The Palmetto State’s prehistoric history is a reminder of the immense changes our planet has undergone and the resilience of life in all its forms.

Summary

The Palmetto State’s prehistoric history reveals a fascinating narrative of ancient ecosystems and massive creatures, from the Megalodon shark to the Colombian Mammoth. Through discoveries at sites like Myrtle Beach and the Charleston Museum, South Carolina has solidified its place as a hub for paleontological research. These ancient treasures continue to inspire curiosity, offering glimpses into a world that existed millions of years ago.