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PALUXY RIVER |
The Paluxy River near Glen Rose, Texas is the site of known scientific treasure which doubled (temporarily, as least) as a Creationist goldmine. 110-115 million years old, in the Lower Cretaceous period, this part of Texas was a low lying coastal plain that was a walking trail for different types of dinosaurs. Their tracks were preserved and were exposed millions of years later in the Paluxy river and tributary beds after a flood. The first discoveries apparently took place in the early 1900�s though there is note that the native population knew about �giant bird� tracks. The three-toed prints were soon identified as originating from dinosaurs. Later, 15-18 inch elongate impressions were found alongside the dino prints that looked like large human tracks. The townspeople believed this potentially astounding idea, but made little of it. However, some dinosaur and the �giant� prints were removed from the riverbed and sold during the Great Depression years. Some prints were even hand-carved into the rock to be sold. One of these obviously hoaxed prints came to the attention of paleontologist Roland Bird in 1938 who traced their story of origin to the Glen Rose formation. Here he discovered what is known as a megatracksite - a huge area of preserved dinosaur trackways. He published the find in a scientific journal. The brief mention of the local belief that some prints were of human origin aroused Creationist groups to investigate.
In the 1950�s Creationists were searching for evidence contrary to evolutionary theory to support their literal interpretation of the creation in Genesis, claims of a young earth, and Noah�s Flood. The Paluxy scenario was ideal. The groups sent their own field people to document the tracks, publish their views and even make a film about it. Their poorly substantiated claim that man coexisted with dinosaurs was spread widely and believed by those with little or no knowledge of sciences. However, the strength of their claims faltered as more groups studied the tract and disagreed. Some creationist groups didn�t support the claim or retracted their original interpretations. A thorough investigation of the so-called �man tracks� was done by biologist and amateur paleontologist Glen Kuban. He noted the tracks were infilled with sediment that had concealed the toe marks. Even �Creation scientists� noted a color change in the rock that revealed three toes. The current explanation is that the strange-looking tracks are impressions of the dinosaur foot behind the toes (the metatarsal), an area that did not usually touch the ground. Similar tracts have been found elsewhere to support this. The tracks served to catch sediment with the final result being a distortion that appeared human-like. With the tracks no longer resembling human prints, most Creation scientists do not use the trackways to support their theory. But a few still do. The tracks are covered with water and sediment today, but during low water levels can still be seen. The Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose was opened in 1972 for public viewing of the excellent remnants of Cretaceous travelers.
- Sharon Hill (Geologist) |
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Glen Kuban website: ��