by Deep beneath the surface of Lake Michigan lies a mysterious formation of stones, often referred to as America’s underwater Lake Michigan Stonehenge. This structure has sparked intrigue and curiosity among archaeologists, historians, and the general public. We will delve into the details of this fascinating discovery, exploring its origins, significance, and the advanced technology used to study it further.
The Discovery of the Stones
In 2007, a team of underwater archaeologists stumbled upon a pattern of rocks that appeared to be arranged in a geometric formation. Unlike the well-known Stonehenge in England, which consists of massive stones stacked in a circular pattern, the stones in Lake Michigan are not stacked but seem to form a distinct shape. This has led to speculation about their origins.
Geometric Patterns and Their Implications
While the rocks form a perfect geometric shape, their arrangement raises questions about whether they were placed there by human hands or whether they are a natural occurrence. The archaeological record shows very little that resembles this formation, leading to further questions about who could have created it and why.
Hank, a representative of the Anishinaabe people, believes that his ancestors, who were hunter-gatherers in the area after the last Ice Age, placed these stones for a sacred purpose. This connection to the land and its significance to indigenous cultures adds a layer of depth to the investigation.
Where is the Formation Located?
The underwater stone formation, often referred to as “America’s underwater Stonehenge,” is located beneath Lake Michigan in Grand Traverse Bay, near Traverse City, Michigan. Discovered in 2007 by underwater archaeologist Dr. Mark Holley, the formation lies approximately 40 feet below the lake’s surface.
The exact coordinates of this site have been deliberately withheld to protect its integrity and respect the cultural heritage of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa tribes. Grand Traverse Bay is a prominent bay of Lake Michigan, extending about 32 miles in length and up to 10 miles in width. It is divided into East and West Arms by the Old Mission Peninsula. The bay is known for its clear waters and is a popular destination for boating and fishing.
The Cultural Significance of the Stones
The Anishinaabe culture views stones as animate objects, viewing them as part of the living earth. Hank refers to these stones as “Mishumis,” or grandfather, highlighting the deep connection his people have with the land. This belief reinforces the idea that the stones have been part of their history for thousands of years.
The Changing Landscape of Lake Michigan
Historically, the water level in Lake Michigan fluctuated significantly. Around 10,500 years ago, the water level dropped dramatically, exposing the area where the stones now lie. It remained above water for about 3,500 years before being submerged again. This dramatic shift in the landscape would have made the area a desirable place for early inhabitants, providing resources and easy transportation.
Investigating the Formation
To uncover more about this underwater structure, researchers have utilized advanced technology, including stereo photogrammetry. This technique involves taking multiple photographs from different angles to create a 3D model of the rocks. By placing scale bars around the rock as reference points, scientists can analyze the structure in detail.
The Search for Carvings
One of the most intriguing aspects of this discovery is a potential carving on one of the stones. During the investigation, the team noticed indentations that appeared to outline the features of a mastodon, an ancient relative of the elephant. This carving, if verified, could date back as much as 10,000 years, suggesting that humans and mastodons coexisted in the area.
Understanding the Context of the Carving
Mastodons were among the largest land animals in North America, and evidence of their existence has been found alongside human-made tools. This connection provides a timeline for when the underwater structure may have been created, aligning with the time period when mastodons roamed the region.
Hank and the researchers speculate that the long line of evenly spaced rocks might serve a purpose similar to hunting structures known as drive lanes. Ancient hunters have used these formations to guide herds of animals towards ambush points. The arrangement of the stones in Lake Michigan might indicate similar hunting practices by prehistoric people.
Connecting Ancient Practices to Modern Understanding
Doctor O’Shea explains that drive lanes have been part of hunting practices for thousands of years, serving as a method to herd animals into specific areas. This ancient knowledge of animal behavior suggests that the people who created the underwater structure were organized and capable of working as a team.
Continuing the Investigation
The search for answers regarding the underwater Stonehenge continues. The findings so far have opened up new avenues for research into the prehistoric people who inhabited the Great Lakes region. As technology advances, scientists hope to uncover more about the origins and purpose of these stones.
Final Thoughts About Our Lake Michigan Stonehenge
The underwater Stonehenge of Lake Michigan represents a fascinating intersection of archaeology, history, and indigenous culture. Each stone tells a story, and as researchers delve deeper into this mystery, they hope to uncover the truth about those who came before us. As we continue to explore our past, we better understand our shared history and the significance of these ancient structures.
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