Capitalsaurus

Capitol lizard

• Capitol · English/Latin · Capitol (as in Washington, D.C.)
• saurus · Greek · lizard

Capitalsaurus is named after Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, where the fossil was discovered in 1898 during sewer excavations on Capitol Hill. The name reflects the unique distinction of being the only dinosaur known from the District of Columbia. It was formally named by Kiernan in 2002, and the city later officially designated Capitalsaurus as the official dinosaur of Washington, D.C.

Named by

Kiernan

Year named

2002

Period

Early Cretaceous

Stage

Barremian

Found in

Arundel Formation, Washington, D.C., USA

Capitalsaurus is considered a nomen dubium by most researchers. It is based on a single partial vertebra (a caudal vertebra), which is not diagnostic enough to confidently assign to a specific genus or even family. Despite this uncertain status, Washington, D.C. officially named it the city's official dinosaur in 1998, and January 28 is celebrated as "Capitalsaurus Day" in the District, commemorating the date of the original 1898 fossil discovery. It is generally regarded as a large theropod dinosaur.