Millions of Years Ago in King and Queen County

Dr. Gerald Johnson, Professor Emeritus of Geology, College of William and Mary, enthralled attendees at the April 26, 2015 King and Queen Historical Society meeting with a view of King and Queen County millions of years ago. He described how the land and its environs were physically formed, noting the evidence found in the remains of prehistoric plants and animals, the topology, and the matter in the soil. Did you know that the geologic history of the Atlantic Coastal Plan over the last 40 million year shaped it’s current landscape? The sediments beneath King and Queen record a catastrophic event 35 million years ago, numerous invasions of the sea and repeated flooding of the region by ancient bays and estuaries. These sediments also contain a rich fossil record. Encouraging the audience to examine them carefully, he shared artifacts such as animal and plant fossils: vertebrae, teeth, petrified wood, and shells.

Did you know that Virginia has a state fossil, Chesapecten jeffersonius, over 4 million years old and found in the lower part of the Yorktown Foundation along rivers in eastern Virginia? Dr. Johnson invited attendees to take home a sample. The fossil was first described by Martin Lister in 1687 and was officially named in 1824.

The adults and the many children in the audience enjoyed the information, hands-on displays and enthusiasm that Dr. Johnson brought to his presentation. Since coming to Virginia in 1965, Dr. Johnson has conducted research of the land forms, sediments and fossils of the Virginia coastal plain. Currently, he is conducting research on a mastodon site in York County, Virginia.

Join us at King and Queen Historical Society Meetings in January, April, July and October for more exciting and informative events. Bring family and friends.