The Discovery
In the early 1900s, paleontologist Elmer S. Riggs unearthed and identified the very first Brachiosaurus fossil in an area near Grand Junction, Colorado, now known as the Redlands. At the time of this monumental unearthing, scientists considered the creature to be the largest land animal in the history of Earth. Despite its deep connection to the Western Slope's local identity, the original skeleton was shipped away shortly after its discovery to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.
What Scientists Found
Today, local organizations are working to bring a full 45-foot-tall casting of the dinosaur skeleton back to Grand Junction. The completed project will be owned by the Museums of Western Colorado and placed on a long-term loan at the Grand Junction Regional Airport, one of the few buildings in the area large enough to display the full specimen. Currently, only the cast of the skull has been completed, but efforts are underway to assemble the entire body.
- The project requires approximately $850,000 to cover the production and assembly of the new fossil casting.
- Organizers hope to secure all necessary funding by the end of 2026, with final completion tentatively planned for 2028.
- About $250,000 has been raised so far, which includes a $10,000 contribution directed by Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
Why It Matters
The effort, known as the "Bring Our Brach Home" campaign, aligns with celebrations for Colorado's 150th anniversary of statehood. During a public event at the airport, Governor Polis highlighted that while statehood marks 150 years, the dinosaur represents 150 million years of deep history, making it one of the oldest chapters of Colorado's past. Furthermore, airport leadership noted that displaying the iconic creature will showcase the region's rich paleontological history to the roughly 650,000 travelers who pass through the facility each year.
Source: dinosaur fossil discovery - BingNews · Published October 21, 2026 · Photo by Alex G on Unsplash