Paleontology in Maryland: Quick Facts

Fossils found in Maryland cover a period of about 600 million years.
The first fossil described from North America (Ecphora gardnerae) was found in Maryland, and is now the state fossil.
Dinosaur fossils are rare on the East Coast, and Maryland is one of the few Eastern states that produces them.
Maryland has a state dinosaur, Astrodon johnstoni.
Astrodon was one of the first dinosaurs described from North America.

Related Images:

A simplified geologic map of Maryland, showing the ages of the rocks found in different regions. (Source)

Ecphora gardenerae, Maryland's state fossil, and the first fossil described from Maryland, and North America as a whole. (Source)

A statue of Astrodon, Maryland's state dinosaur, at the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore. (Source)

The type specimen for Astrodon johnstoni, Maryland's state dinosaur. (Source)

For more information, visit the Maryland Geological Society webpage on fossils: