What's happened
Archaeologists in Madison have mapped 16 submerged canoes on Lake Mendota, dating back up to 5,200 years. The site is near historic indigenous trails, suggesting long-standing use of the lake for travel and communal activities. The discovery highlights Wisconsin's deep indigenous history and ongoing cultural connections.
What's behind the headline?
The discovery of 16 ancient canoes in Lake Mendota underscores Wisconsin's rich indigenous history, predating many tribes by thousands of years. The proximity to indigenous trails suggests the lake was a vital hub for travel and communal resource sharing over millennia. This find challenges assumptions about the timeline of human activity in the region, indicating continuous use of the lake for over 5,000 years. The involvement of tribes like the Ho-Chunk and Bad River Band highlights the importance of collaborative archaeology, which not only preserves artifacts but also restores cultural narratives. The potential to find even older canoes, possibly dating back 7,000 years, foreshadows further revelations about early indigenous presence in North America. This discovery will likely influence regional historical understanding and reinforce indigenous claims to ancestral lands, emphasizing the need for ongoing preservation efforts. The work of Tamara Thomsen exemplifies how archaeology can serve as a bridge between past and present, fostering cultural pride and historical continuity.
What the papers say
The articles from The Independent, published on November 19 and 20, 2025, provide detailed insights into the discovery, emphasizing the significance of the canoes' age and their cultural context. The reports highlight the collaboration with Native tribes and the archaeological process, with quotes from Thomsen and tribal representatives. Contrasting perspectives are limited, but the coverage consistently underscores the importance of indigenous involvement and the historical depth of the find. The articles collectively portray this as a landmark discovery that deepens understanding of early North American indigenous life and the long-standing relationship between people and Lake Mendota.
How we got here
The discovery began in 2021 with the unearthing of a 1,200-year-old canoe. Subsequent excavations revealed older canoes, including a 3,000-year-old vessel and others dating back over 5,200 years. The site is near indigenous trail networks, indicating the lake's importance for ancient travel and community life. Collaborations with Native American tribes have been central to the project, emphasizing cultural preservation and historical storytelling.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Do Ancient Canoe Discoveries Reveal About Indigenous Waterway Use?
Recent archaeological finds of submerged canoes in Lake Mendota have opened a window into North America's deep indigenous history. These ancient watercraft, some dating back over 5,200 years, highlight long-standing waterway use and cultural connections among indigenous peoples. Curious about what these discoveries mean for our understanding of indigenous cultures and their relationship with waterways? Below, we explore key questions about these remarkable finds and their significance.
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What Do Ancient Canoes in Wisconsin Reveal About Indigenous Waterways?
Recent discoveries of ancient canoes in Lake Mendota have shed light on Wisconsin's rich indigenous waterway history. These submerged artifacts, dating back over 5,200 years, connect us to long-standing transportation routes and cultural practices of Native tribes. Curious about what these findings mean for understanding indigenous life and North American history? Keep reading to explore the significance of these archaeological discoveries and what they tell us about the past.
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What Do Ancient Canoes in Lake Mendota Reveal About Wisconsin’s Indigenous History?
Archaeologists have uncovered 16 submerged canoes in Lake Mendota, dating back over 5,200 years. This discovery offers a fascinating glimpse into Wisconsin’s indigenous past, highlighting long-standing travel routes and cultural connections. Curious about what these ancient vessels tell us about indigenous life, trade, and history? Below, we explore the significance of this remarkable find and answer common questions about its impact on understanding indigenous culture today.
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