The Fossil Cabin at Como Bluff, Wyoming, is a unique roadside attraction that has captivated visitors for almost a century. Built in 1932, the cabin is the oldest building in the world made entirely of dinosaur bones. Its walls are constructed from thousands of fossilized bones that were excavated from the nearby Como Bluff paleontological site, which is renowned for its rich deposits of Jurassic-era dinosaur fossils.
Visitors to the Fossil Cabin can marvel at the intricate architecture of the building, which was designed to resemble a prehistoric dinosaur. The cabin is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular stop for tourists traveling along the Lincoln Highway. Although visitors are not allowed to enter the cabin or the nearby house, they can still stop and examine the site and the accompanying historical marker. The Fossil Cabin is a must-see destination for anyone interested in paleontology or the history of the American West.
History of Fossil Cabin
Thomas Boylan’s Creation
The Fossil Cabin, located in Como Bluff, Wyoming, is a unique building that has become a popular roadside attraction. The cabin was built in 1932 by Thomas Boylan, who was a gas station owner and dinosaur bone collector. Boylan collected dinosaur bones from the nearby Como Bluff with the intention of creating a complete dinosaur skeleton to attract motorists to his gas station along the Lincoln Highway. However, when he could not find enough bones, he decided to use them to build the Fossil Cabin instead. The cabin is made entirely of fossil bones, using a total of 5,796 bones, and is considered to be the world’s oldest building.
From Gas Station to Museum
The Fossil Cabin was originally built as a gasoline filling station along US 30 by Thomas Boylan. It was later converted into a museum and roadside attraction. Visitors can explore the cabin and learn about the history of the dinosaur bones used to build it. The cabin also features a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs related to the cabin and the surrounding area.
National Register of Historic Places
The Fossil Cabin was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The cabin is a unique example of roadside architecture and is considered to be a significant part of Wyoming’s history. The cabin’s inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places ensures that it will be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
In conclusion, the Fossil Cabin is a unique and fascinating attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into Wyoming’s rich history. From its origins as a gas station to its current status as a museum, the cabin has been an important part of the community for over 80 years. Its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places ensures that it will continue to be a beloved attraction for years to come.
Como Bluff and Its Significance
Geological Marvel
Como Bluff is a geological marvel located on private property in Carbon and Albany counties, Wyoming. It is a ridge of the Morrison Formation, which is a sequence of sedimentary rocks that dates back to the Late Jurassic period, approximately 150 million years ago. The Morrison Formation is known for its abundance of dinosaur fossils, making Como Bluff one of the most significant paleontological sites in the world.
Paleontological Richness
The significance of Como Bluff lies in its paleontological richness. The site has yielded numerous fossilized dinosaur bones, including those of Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus, and Allosaurus. The discovery of these fossils at Como Bluff in the late 19th century sparked a fierce competition between two prominent paleontologists, Othniel Charles Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope, known as the “Bone Wars”. This rivalry led to the discovery of many new species of dinosaurs and significantly advanced the field of paleontology.
The Morrison Formation
The Morrison Formation, which Como Bluff is a part of, is a vast geological formation that spans across several western states of the United States. It is known for its unique combination of sedimentary rocks, which have preserved the remains of numerous dinosaur species. The Morrison Formation has been extensively studied by researchers from the University of Wyoming, who have contributed significantly to our understanding of the Late Jurassic period and the evolution of dinosaurs.
Como Bluff is a testament to the richness of the earth’s history and the diversity of life that once existed on our planet. Its significance lies not only in the abundance of dinosaur fossils that it has yielded but also in the scientific advancements that it has helped to inspire. A visit to Como Bluff is an opportunity to witness firsthand the wonders of the natural world and to appreciate the work of the many scientists who have dedicated their lives to studying it.
Visiting the Fossil Cabin Museum
If you’re passing through the Medicine Bow area, a stop at the Fossil Cabin Museum is a must-see tourist attraction. Located on the north side of U.S. Highway 30/287 about five miles east of Medicine Bow, Carbon County, Wyo, the Fossil Cabin Museum is the only building in the United States constructed entirely out of dinosaur fossils.
Exhibits and Attractions
The museum exhibits a wide variety of fossils, including a complete dinosaur skeleton and several other fossils found in the area. Visitors can also explore the Fossil Cabin, which was built entirely out of dinosaur bones in the 1930s. While entry into the cabin and the house nearby is prohibited, travelers may stop and examine the site and the accompanying historical marker.
Tourist Information
The Fossil Cabin Museum is located on U.S. Highway 30/287, which is also part of the historic Lincoln Highway. It is easily accessible from Interstate 80, making it a convenient stop for travelers passing through the area. Visitors can expect to spend about an hour exploring the museum and surrounding area.
For more information on the Fossil Cabin Museum and other attractions in the area, visitors can stop by the Como Bluff Dinosaurium, which is located about six miles east of Medicine Bow on the north side of Highway 30. The Dinosaurium offers a wide variety of exhibits and information on the area’s rich history of dinosaur fossils.
Overall, a visit to the Fossil Cabin Museum is a unique and educational experience that is sure to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
Conservation and Education
Preservation Efforts
The Fossil Cabin at Como Bluff is a unique and historic site that has been preserved by the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office. The cabin was built entirely of fossil bones in the 1930s and was a onetime curio and roadside attraction that is now closed.
Over the years, the cabin has undergone significant restoration efforts to ensure its preservation for future generations. The Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office has worked tirelessly to restore the cabin to its former glory and to ensure that it remains a significant part of Wyoming’s history.
Educational Programs
In addition to preservation efforts, the Fossil Cabin at Como Bluff is also an important educational resource. The cabin is a popular destination for school groups and visitors interested in learning about the history of Wyoming and the importance of conservation.
Several educational programs are available for visitors to the cabin, including guided tours and educational exhibits. The Creation Museum is another popular destination for visitors interested in learning about the history of the cabin and the importance of conservation.
Overall, the Fossil Cabin at Como Bluff is a unique and important part of Wyoming’s history. Thanks to the efforts of the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office and other conservation organizations, the cabin has been preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn from.
Last Updated on December 27, 2023 by Cool Rad Weird