Did you know that… 42 million years ago the waters of the Gulf of Mexico washed across beaches in Roma in Starr Country? 27 million years ago a volcanic eruption covered what is today Rio Grande City in more than 60 feet of ash? Minerals in this volcanic ash created a petrified palm forest in Starr County, and deposits of uranium in South Texas? A stone known as Sauz chert formed from these minerals and would be used millions of years later by Native Americans to make tools? The UTRGV ceremonial mace contains petrified palm and Sauz chert. The Rio Grande Valley of Texas holds infinite possibilities for discovery, interpretation, and scholarship. Please join us in our journey through the Ancient Landscapes of South Texas!