Archaeologists in Wisconsin recently unearthed 16 ancient canoes believed to have been left by Indigenous peoples along the shores of Lake Mendota. This remarkable find, announced by the Wisconsin Historical Society, offers insight into the lives and practices of early inhabitants in the region.
Significant Discovery at Lake Mendota
Located near Madison, Lake Mendota spans 15 square miles (38.8 square kilometers). The site, reminiscent of a prehistoric parking area, was likely utilized by Indigenous travelers who shared canoes during their journeys. According to Tamara Thomsen, Wisconsin’s maritime archaeologist, these canoes served as communal resources for people traversing between destinations.
Uncovering the Canoes
The exploration began in 2021 when archaeologists discovered a 1,200-year-old canoe submerged in 24 feet of water. Progressing through the following years, researchers located additional canoes, including:
- A 3,000-year-old canoe
- A 4,500-year-old canoe underneath it
- A 2,000-year-old canoe adjacent to it
Collaborating with Sissel Schroeder, a professor at UW-Madison, and preservation officers from the Ho-Chunk Nation and the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Thomsen identified 12 more canoes, increasing the total to 16.
The Age of the Canoes
Radiocarbon dating indicates that the oldest canoe is 5,200 years old, ranking it as the third oldest in eastern North America. The two oldest canoes ever discovered were found in Florida, dating back 7,000 years.
Thomsen noted that a significant drought occurred in Wisconsin around 7,500 years ago, which lasted until approximately 1000 B.C. This period likely allowed the lake’s depth to decrease to about 4 feet (1.2 meters), creating optimal conditions for disembarking travelers.
Cultural Significance of the Canoes
The canoes were likely stored at specific locations, similar to sharing systems seen today. Users typically buried the canoes in the sediment to prevent damage from drying or freezing. Archaeologists suggest that travelers may have aimed for Lake Wingra, a nearby 321-acre (130-hectare) lake that holds cultural importance for the Ho-Chunk Nation.
Dr. Amy Rosebrough, Wisconsin’s state archaeologist, emphasized the connection between the canoes and the land, stating their role in the Indigenous heritage of the area. Bill Quackenbush, the tribal preservation officer of the Ho-Chunk Nation, reflected on the deep historical ties within the waters and lands of the Madison region.
Future Prospects
Thomsen believes that ongoing research may lead to the discovery of even older canoes, suggesting that the lake may have been used by Indigenous people predating Wisconsin’s current tribes. She dedicates a portion of her time to the canoe project, considering it profoundly impactful due to its connection with Indigenous communities and their stories.
Each canoe unearthed reveals significant clues about the past. As archaeologists continue to explore the depths, they aim to enrich the narrative of the diverse cultures that have thrived in this region for thousands of years.
