On September 2, 1994, Rich Gribble & Jerald Smith, discovered large bones buried in the mud of Tolo Lake, which had been drained to deepen it for better wildlife habitat. 

Mammoths are close relatives to the modern Asian elephant, but only distantly related to the African elephant. To date, the only species positively identified at Tolo Lake is the huge Columbian mammoth, typical of ancient cool to subtropical environments in North America.

Tolo Lake has been a gathering spot for animals for many thousands of years, and for mankind at least 11,000 years. It was a part of the Nez Perce home territory. Their name for the lake was Te-Pal-e-wam. After the Indian wars of 1877 the lake was renamed to honor a courageous Nez Perce woman, Tolo. With bravery she helped the settlers who had become her friends.

As a way to commemorate the find Grangeville’s Chamber of Commerce took over the project, the Mammoth replica Committee began fund-raising efforts shortly after the discovery of the remains. Eimers Park, next to the Grangeville chamber of commerce, on Highway 95, was chosen for the site for the exhibit.