Indiana Was An Ocean 400 Million Years Ago

Photo byThierry MeieronUnsplash

FORT WAYNE, IN - Long before the Midwest became the landlocked region we know today, Indiana was covered by a shallow sea.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, around 400 million years ago, what is now Indiana was located near the equator, a vastly different environment from the state's current landscape.

This ancient ocean was teeming with marine life, including corals, brachiopods, and trilobites, which thrived in the warm, shallow waters.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, as geological time passed, the sea gradually receded, leaving behind a treasure trove of fossils that offer a glimpse into Indiana's prehistoric past.

Today, these fossils can be found in many of the state's parks, providing valuable insights for students and visitors alike.

The fossilized remains of ancient sea creatures are a testament to the dramatic changes the region has undergone over millions of years.

Indiana's state parks, such as Falls of the Ohio and McCormick’s Creek, are popular destinations for fossil hunters and geology enthusiasts, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

These parks not only preserve the state’s natural beauty but also serve as living classrooms where people can explore and learn about the ancient ocean that once covered the Hoosier State.