Discovering history beneath the surface. A cache of ancient canoes has been uncovered in Lake Mendota, revealing stories from the past that await their telling.

Discovering history beneath the surface. A cache of ancient canoes has been uncovered in Lake Mendota, revealing stories from the past that await their telling.

The Wisconsin Historical Society, in collaboration with Native Nations, has made a remarkable archaeological discovery in Lake Mendota, near Madison, where at least ten ancient dugout canoes, dating back up to 4,500 years, have been uncovered. The initial findings, which began with the discovery of two canoes in 2021 and 2022, have revealed a significant concentration of canoes that provide insights into the lives of early inhabitants of the region. The oldest canoe, dating to around 2500 BCE, showcases advanced craftsmanship and reflects the various wood types used, revealing shifts in forest composition and climate over millennia.

Research suggests these canoes were intentionally submerged to prevent warping during harsh winters, indicating a habitual storage practice. Ground penetrating radar has also hinted at the presence of a submerged ancient village nearby. Due to their fragile condition, the Wisconsin Historical Society has opted not to recover more canoes, focusing instead on preserving the two already retrieved. These canoes will undergo a preservation process, with plans to display them at the new Wisconsin History Center when it opens in 2027, celebrating the ingenuity and stories of ancestral cultures.