Gray Fossil Site

In 2000, what has been termed “the most signficant find in North America” from the Miocene Age was discovered in Gray, Tennessee.  To date, numerous fossils of ancient mammals such as tapirs, horses, beavers, bears, and reptiles such as alligators and snakes have been unearthed.  These discoveries have opened a very unique window into this prehistoric era in Tennessee and North America.

The site is a Center of Excellence for ETSU.  Scientists from around the nation and world have come to study and conduct research.  Schoolchildren from our region and beyond will come to enhance their classroom experiences in the sciences with the practical experiences offered by the site.  Other visitors to our region will travel the I-26 corridor and stop for interesting and memorable experiences as they peer into our past.

Like many discoveries, we will continue to be surprised and amazed at the wonders of this natural history, if the site can be fully developed and fully presented to scientists, schoolchildren, university students, and others.

Naming opportunities are available for individuals and corporate interests at various levels.  Your gifts and sponsorships will enable ETSU to discover our past, while educating and promoting a passion for science and scholarship today and for our future among all people who would visit, learn, and work at the site.