Archaeologists in Wisconsin have made a groundbreaking discovery of ancient canoes preserved for millennia in an underwater "parking lot" off Lake Mendota. The 14 identified canoes, including one dating back to the time of the Pyramids of Giza and another from 3,000 BC, were found buried under the lake's surface for thousands of years.
The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) collaborated with the First Nations of Wisconsin during the research process, which shed light on the significance of these ancient vessels. The canoes were crafted from red oak, an unusual choice due to its water-absorbent properties, leading researchers to speculate that builders may have intentionally selected damaged trees or deliberately impaired their growth cycle.
"This is the only cache of canoes that has so far been discovered in Wisconsin," said Tamara Thomsen, a WHS maritime archaeologist. "Archaeology is like putting together pieces of a puzzle, and the more pieces we find, the better we can start to form a picture of what was going on and why during a period of history."
The discovery highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage and sharing stories with younger generations. The two recovered canoes will be displayed at the Wisconsin History Center in 2027, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of ancient communities that once thrived along Lake Mendota.
According to Bill Quackenbush, a tribal historic preservation officer for the Ho-Chunk Nation, this project provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of their heritage and ancestors. "It is essential that we document and share these stories so our youth feel connected to our past," he added.
The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) collaborated with the First Nations of Wisconsin during the research process, which shed light on the significance of these ancient vessels. The canoes were crafted from red oak, an unusual choice due to its water-absorbent properties, leading researchers to speculate that builders may have intentionally selected damaged trees or deliberately impaired their growth cycle.
"This is the only cache of canoes that has so far been discovered in Wisconsin," said Tamara Thomsen, a WHS maritime archaeologist. "Archaeology is like putting together pieces of a puzzle, and the more pieces we find, the better we can start to form a picture of what was going on and why during a period of history."
The discovery highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage and sharing stories with younger generations. The two recovered canoes will be displayed at the Wisconsin History Center in 2027, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of ancient communities that once thrived along Lake Mendota.
According to Bill Quackenbush, a tribal historic preservation officer for the Ho-Chunk Nation, this project provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of their heritage and ancestors. "It is essential that we document and share these stories so our youth feel connected to our past," he added.
OMG I'm beyond stoked about this ancient canoe discovery 
off Lake Mendota! The fact that they found canoes dating back to the Pyramids of Giza 
️ and 3,000 BC is mind-blowing 
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. It's awesome to see the collaboration between archaeologists and First Nations of Wisconsin 
. This discovery is like putting together a puzzle piece, and it's only going to get more exciting as we learn more 
.
. Giving me all the feels to see these ancient vessels up close 
! The fact they found ones from 3k BC and the time of Pyramids is wild 
. I mean, can you imagine how hard it must've been for those ancient builders to craft them with red oak? 
It's like they were trying to make 'em last or something! 
. Hope the younger gen gets stoked about learnin from their ancestors' awesomeness 
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I mean, can you even imagine something like that just chillin' at the bottom of Lake Mendota for thousands of years? Like, ancient civilizations were already master builders back then! 
, it's trippy! But at the same time, think about how many people had to paddle around in those canoes for thousands of years without any fancy GPS or stuff 
. But what really gets me is how this discovery can help the First Nations people share their stories and keep their culture alive 
. Like, what's up with ancient canoes in Wisconsin? Sounds super random to me. But I guess it's kinda cool that archaeologists were able to find some hidden gems off Lake Mendota. 3,000 BC is like, whoa! You'd think we'd have found more of these by now. And the story about red oak trees being deliberately damaged for canoe-building? That's a new one on me. Can't wait to see those canoes displayed in 2027 tho 
. It's more like a treasure trove of history! I mean, 14 ancient canoes just chillin' under the lake for thousands of years? Mind blown 
. And that one from 3,000 BC is insane 
. What were people thinking back then, choosing red oak for canoe-building? Was it a thing? 
. It's always important to involve the community when preserving cultural heritage. But can't they just display all the canoes at once instead of only two in 2027? 
.
Was it because the lake is just a big ol' hiding spot for ancient history? 
I'm saying, if they found canoes from 3,000 BC in Lake Mendota, doesn't that mean the lake's been sitting there for ages with all sorts of stuff underwater? It's like a treasure trove just waiting to be explored! And what's up with the red oak being chosen for these ancient vessels? Did people back then have a thing for water-logged wood or something? 
. Its awesome that they were able to work with the First Nations of Wisconsin and get their input on it. It shows that people are willing to listen and learn from each other's cultures. And yeah, its pretty interesting that the canoes were made from red oak because it absorbs water, maybe they found trees that had been damaged by a storm or something 
Can't wait to see these canoes and learn more about history 
and can you imagine having a canoe from like 3k BC?! 
. can't wait to see those canoes at the Wisconsin History Center in 2027 
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. Just saying, the importance of cultural heritage is definitely worth sharing with younger generations, but let's not get too carried away here 
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