Discovery of Ancient Canoes in Wisconsin
Recently, authorities in Wisconsin revealed the remarkable finding of a group of ancient canoes, which are now being referred to as an underwater “parking lot.” This discovery has sparked curiosity, not unlike one might feel when learning about something as iconic as the pyramids of Giza.
The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) announced that 14 canoes have been identified on Lake Mendota in Madison, with six of them uncovered just this past spring. In a collaborative effort, WHS worked alongside various Wisconsin Indian tribes during the research process.
Interestingly, this isn’t the society’s first encounter with ancient canoes; they had recovered a 1,200-year-old dugout canoe in 2021, followed by a 3,000-year-old canoe in 2022.
According to WHS, the canoes date back as far as 5,200 years, while others were constructed up until the 1300s AD. These canoes weren’t just for show—they played vital roles in fishing, transportation, and trade.
“Before any European settlers transformed the area for modern use, the landscape around Lake Madison was quite different. Large cliffs made it tough to navigate by land in some regions,” the statement details.
“Canoe travel might have been the most efficient mode of transport for communities that inhabited this area long before it became known as Wisconsin,” the statement further elaborated.
WHS marine archaeologist Tamara Thomsen shared with Fox News Digital that these canoes have remained preserved beneath Lake Mendota for thousands of years.
“The canoes were found eroded from the bank, lying in about 25 feet of water,” Thomsen explained. “Their preservation is largely due to being buried for so long.”
Thomsen mentioned that there are no current plans to recover the remaining 14 canoes. However, the two that were retrieved are set to be displayed at the Wisconsin History Center’s museum in 2027.
“The oldest Lake Mendota canoes, known to date, likely originated around 3000 BC—before the Great Pyramid of Giza was even built, and around the time when writing began in Sumer,” she noted.
These canoes, mainly constructed from red oak, represent not only an incredible archaeological find but also the oldest recorded dugout canoe in the Great Lakes area and the third oldest in eastern North America.
Such discoveries are quite scarce in the Midwest; more commonly, they emerge from the Southeast. “This is the only canoe cache ever found in Wisconsin,” the archaeologist confirmed.
WHS pointed out that the canoes were made from either red oak or white oak—an interesting choice since these types of wood are known to absorb water more readily.
Thomsen speculated that those who built the canoes might have selected damaged trees intentionally, perhaps to influence their growth patterns. “While we typically associate bioengineering with modern practices, our findings suggest that this might have been happening long before the term was officially coined,” she reflected.
“Archaeology is a bit like piecing together a puzzle; with each new find, we enhance our understanding of historical events and their significance,” she added.
Bill Quackenbush, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Ho-Chunk Nation, emphasized that this project offers valuable insights into heritage and ancestry. He shared, “It’s vital that these narratives are captured and conveyed so that younger generations feel connected to their history.”
“By safeguarding and perpetuating this knowledge, we allow future generations to comprehend their roots and the importance of these stories. That’s why we keep sharing this work—it’s essential,” he concluded.
