Ancient Canoes in Lake Mendota Reveal Historical Insights into Indigenous Practices
Recent discoveries in Lake Mendota, Wisconsin, have unveiled ancient canoes that provide significant insights into Indigenous practices. These canoes, some dating back over 5,000 years, were found submerged and preserved in the lakebed. The discovery was initiated by maritime archaeologist Tamara Thomsen in 2021, who has since identified 16 canoes ranging from 700 to 5,200 years old. The canoes are believed to have been used by Indigenous peoples during a period of drought when the lake was shallower. The Wisconsin Historical Society and the University of Wisconsin-Madison are involved in studying these artifacts, which are made from various types of wood, including elm and cottonwood. The canoes are seen as a testament to the enduring connection of the Ho-Chunk Nation to the region, as explained by Bill Quackenbush, the tribe's historical preservation officer. 
