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The short version

  • A diver cleaning trash in Pewaukee Lake found a dugout canoe that experts date to approximately 1,000 years ago.
  • Radiocarbon testing indicates the white oak vessel was crafted between 992 and 1049 C.E., during the Late Woodland Period.
  • The Wisconsin Historical Society will keep the canoe submerged in its original location to ensure preservation and honor Indigenous wishes.

A routine volunteer effort to remove debris from a Wisconsin lake has yielded a significant archaeological find, shifting focus from environmental cleanup to historical preservation. Mark Schachtner, a member of a local scuba club, was concluding a dive session in Pewaukee Lake when he noticed an unusual elongated object resting on the lake floor. Initially suspecting it might be a fish crib or discarded log, he investigated further and identified the structure as a canoe. The discovery marks the first time such a vessel has been documented in this specific body of water, which is located in Waukesha County near Milwaukee.

Schachtner immediately contacted Tamara Thomsen, a maritime archaeologist with the Wisconsin Historical Society, to report the find. Five days after the initial sighting, Schachtner and Thomsen returned to the site to conduct a preliminary assessment. They documented the vessel’s position, captured photographic and video evidence, and collected a small wood sample for analysis. The canoe was found in relatively good condition, measuring approximately 17.3 feet in length with walls that are 2.5 inches thick and a bottom thickness of 4.8 inches.

News Journal

Scientific testing conducted in August provided crucial data regarding the vessel’s age and composition. Radiocarbon dating results indicated a 70 percent probability that the canoe was constructed between 992 and 1049 C.E. This timeframe places the artifact within the Late Woodland Period, an era characterized by the flourishing of Mississippian culture and the expansion of Indigenous groups who built effigy mounds and cultivated maize. The wood analysis confirmed the vessel was carved from white oak, a material choice consistent with traditional crafting methods of the region.

The historical context of the discovery aligns with broader regional activity during the early 11th century. During this period, Cahokia people were expanding their influence into Wisconsin, establishing trading posts and fortified settlements such as Aztalan. The presence of the canoe in Pewaukee Lake suggests it was part of a network of transportation and trade that connected various Indigenous communities. Experts note that dugout canoes were essential for mobility, allowing groups to navigate the extensive waterways of the area long before European contact.

Understanding the cultural significance of the find requires input from tribal partners. The Wisconsin Historical Society is consulting with Larry Plucinski of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Bill Quackenbush of the Ho-Chunk Nation, both of whom serve as historic preservation officers. These experts are involved in the Wisconsin Dugout Canoe Survey Project, which aims to document and protect similar artifacts across the state. Their involvement ensures that the interpretation of the canoe respects Indigenous perspectives and historical narratives.

The physical characteristics of the canoe suggest it was handcrafted using labor-intensive techniques. Experts believe the vessel was shaped using fire and possibly carved with stone tools or shells, a process that required considerable time and skill. Jon Greendeer, president of the Ho-Chunk Nation, emphasized the effort involved in creating such vessels, noting that they were community resources rather than private property. This communal ownership model facilitated shared access to transportation for hunting, fishing, and trade activities.

Preservation strategies for the artifact prioritize keeping it in its current environment. The canoe rests about 15 feet below the surface, partially filled with sediment that has likely protected it from damage caused by temperature fluctuations or anchor drag. Archaeologists believe that removing the vessel could compromise its structural integrity. Consequently, the decision has been made to leave the canoe submerged, a approach that aligns with the wishes of Wisconsin’s Indigenous nations and offers the best chance for long-term preservation.

While the exact location of the canoe is being kept private to prevent unauthorized access, state law prohibits any attempts to remove, deface, or disturb the vessel. Conservation wardens are aware of the site to enforce these protections. Despite this being the first documented discovery in Pewaukee Lake, tribal experts suspect that other similar vessels may remain hidden in the lakebed. The importance of canoes for transportation during the Late Woodland Period suggests that additional artifacts could be waiting to be found, offering further insights into the region’s ancient history.

The discovery underscores the value of volunteer efforts in uncovering historical resources. What began as an environmental cleanup initiative has provided a tangible link to the past, highlighting the rich Indigenous heritage of Wisconsin. The collaboration between divers, archaeologists, and tribal leaders demonstrates a model for responsible stewardship of underwater cultural heritage. As researchers continue to study the implications of this find, the submerged canoe remains a silent witness to a millennium-old way of life.

Future research may focus on comparing this vessel with other dugout canoes found in Wisconsin, such as those discovered in Lake Mendota. These comparisons could reveal patterns in construction techniques, usage, and deposition sites. The integration of scientific data with traditional knowledge offers a comprehensive approach to understanding the artifact’s role in its community. The story of the Pewaukee Lake canoe serves as a reminder of the deep historical roots embedded in the landscape and the importance of preserving these connections for future generations.

Sources behind this briefing

Go to the original reporting

  • Smithsonian Magazine↗A Diver Volunteered to Clean Up Trash From a Wisconsin Lake. He Discovered a 1,000-Year-Old Dugout Canoe at the Bottom Instead