930-year-old canoe pulled from North Carolina lake
The discovery was made during an excavation project led by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and the state's Office of State Archaeology. The project, which began in 2020, aimed to investigate the remains of a 19th-century shipwreck in the Cape Fear River.
During the excavation, the team discovered a wooden structure that they suspected was a Native American canoe. The structure was initially covered in layers of silt and sediment, but as the team began to clear away the debris, they realized they had made a significant discovery.
The canoe, which measures 33 feet long and 2.5 feet wide, is believed to have been used by members of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe for fishing and transportation along the river. The Waccamaw Siouan Tribe has a long history in the region, with evidence of their presence dating back thousands of years.
The discovery of the canoe also highlights the rich history of the Cape Fear River and its importance to the indigenous peoples who lived in the region. The river has been used for thousands of years as a transportation route and a source of food and resources.
The discovery of the canoe provides archeologists with valuable insights into the technology and craftsmanship of the time, as well as the daily lives of the indigenous peoples who lived along the Cape Fear River.
The excavation project is ongoing, and archeologists hope to uncover more artifacts and information about the history of the region. The discovery of the canoe is a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples, and the need for continued research and exploration of our shared history.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to acknowledge and honor the history and contributions of Native American communities in the United States. The discovery of the canoe in North Carolina is a small but significant step towards recognizing the rich and diverse cultures of the indigenous peoples who have lived on this land for thousands of years.
As archeologists and tribal members work together to uncover the secrets of the past, they are also forging new connections and partnerships that will help to preserve and protect the cultural heritage of the region for generations to come. The discovery of the 930-year-old Native American canoe is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of listening to the voices of the past.