Astrodon johnstoni is a fascinating dinosaur that holds a special place in East Coast paleontology. This massive, long-necked herbivore lived during the Early Cretaceous period, roughly 110 to 115 million years ago. Belonging to the group of dinosaurs called sauropods, Astrodon is thought to have reached lengths of up to 50 feet and weighed as much as 20 tons - about the size of a school bus, but much heavier!

What makes Astrodon especially significant is that it was one of the first dinosaurs described from the eastern United States. Its fossilized teeth were discovered in Maryland in the mid-1800s, and the dinosaur was officially named “Astrodon” (meaning “star tooth”) in reference to the star-shaped cross-section of its teeth. It’s considered the state dinosaur of Maryland and represents the rich, though often underappreciated, dinosaur history of the East Coast.

While Astrodon itself hasn't been found in New Jersey, its close relatives likely roamed the area during the same period. The geology of the East Coast, shaped by ancient river systems and coastal environments, was home to a variety of dinosaurs and early flowering plants. Because of this, Astrodon serves as an iconic reminder that the world of dinosaurs wasn’t just limited to the West—majestic giants once walked near where we stand today.