1.5 billion years ago
The elephant rocks at Elephant Rocks State Park were formed from 1.5-billion-year-old granite. These giant boulders stand end-to-end like a train of circus elephants. The rocks have created formations that intrigue geologists, are popular with history buffs interested in the past quarrying, and fascinate children who love to climb on and between the boulders.
An easy way to see the rocks is from the Braille Trail, which was especially designed for people with visual and physical disabilities. The trail winds through the main area of rocks. An extension off the trail leads back to the ruins of an old railroad engine house, a remnant of the area’s quarrying and railroad history.
Object Details
Categories: Natural Enviroment
Date: 1.5 billion years ago
Contributing Institution: Springfield-Greene County Library District
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County: Saint Francois
Region: Southeast
Type: Object
Latitude: 37.654846
Longitude: -90.687666
Photographer: Ben Divin