Hidden under layers of sediment for nearly a millennium, the 28-foot-long canoe is believed to have been crafted by Indigenous peoples, possibly ancestors of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe. Its extraordinary length suggests it was used for long journeys, fishing, or transporting goods across the region’s waterways. When archaeologists uncovered it, they were stunned by how intact the vessel remained, from its smooth carved lines to its overall shape.
The preservation of the canoe is a scientific marvel. Typically, wood deteriorates underwater, but the chemical balance of Lake Waccamaw created the perfect environment to protect it. This has allowed modern researchers to study the craftsmanship and design techniques used by early Indigenous builders, offering a rare window into the technological and cultural achievements of pre-colonial America.
More than an artifact, the canoe is a bridge between past and present. Found in the summer of 2021 by three teenagers who first mistook it for a log, it now serves as a living testament to the enduring ingenuity and heritage of Native American communities. Every curve of its form carries echoes of ancient journeys, connecting us to a time when waterways were the heart of daily life.