At least 10 million years ago the ocean flooded the area called Florida. As the waters washed the state billions of phosphate particles were deposited on the land. These particles alone with sand and clay, settled into strata. The retreating waters eventually buried these phosphate beads under tons of sandy oil, mostly in Central Florida.

This area became known as the Bone Valley because of the bones and fossilized remains of prehistoric animals that are common to phosphate deposits.

The city of Mulberry, in the heart of this district, has long been known as the "Phosphate Capitol of the World".   It is now the home of the Mulberry Phosphate Museum which houses an outstanding collection of fossilized remains, area memorabilia and educational exhibits about the phosphate industry.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 4:30pm. Special tours are available by calling the city of Mulberry (863) 425-2823.

The Museum is located one block south of State Highway 60 on State Highway 37 in downtown Mulberry.