The Great Lakes have long been shrouded in mystery, their vast depths concealing tales of ancient civilizations, sunken treasures, and unexplained phenomena. Over the years, explorers and scientists have uncovered a plethora of enigmatic artifacts and occurrences beneath these freshwater expanses. Delving into these discoveries not only satiates our curiosity but also offers profound insights into the region’s rich history and the secrets that lie beneath the waves.
1. The Enigmatic “Stonehenge” Beneath Lake Michigan
In 2007, while conducting sonar explorations of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, Dr. Mark Holley, a professor of underwater archaeology at Northwestern Michigan University, stumbled upon a series of stone formations that bore an uncanny resemblance to England’s iconic Stonehenge. Positioned approximately 40 feet beneath the lake’s surface, these stones are estimated to be around 9,000 years old. The arrangement and age suggest that they were constructed during a period when water levels were significantly lower, indicating human activity in the region during prehistoric times.
One particularly intriguing stone features a carving that some believe depicts a mastodon, an ancient relative of the elephant that roamed North America and became extinct around 10,000 years ago. If authenticated, this petroglyph could provide compelling evidence of early human-animal interactions in the area. However, some experts caution against drawing definitive conclusions, emphasizing the need for further research to determine the exact nature and purpose of these submerged structures.
For a deeper exploration of this discovery, refer to Artnet News and Dr. Mark Holley’s official commentary.
2. Ancient Canoes Unearthed in Lake Mendota
Lake Mendota in Wisconsin has recently become a focal point for archaeologists following the discovery of multiple ancient dugout canoes beneath its waters. In 2021, the first of these canoes was found, and subsequent explorations have uncovered up to eleven more. Radiocarbon dating has revealed that the oldest of these vessels dates back approximately 4,500 years, making it the oldest dugout canoe ever discovered in the Great Lakes region. Crafted from elm, these canoes offer a rare glimpse into the maritime practices of ancient indigenous cultures. The preservation of these wooden artifacts is attributed to the lake’s anaerobic conditions, which slowed the decomposition process. These findings underscore the significance of watercraft in prehistoric times and highlight the advanced craftsmanship of early inhabitants.
For more details on these discoveries, visit the Wisconsin Historical Society and Wisconsin Public Radio.
3. The SS Senator’s Sunken Treasure of Vintage Automobiles
The SS Senator, a steel-hulled freighter, met its tragic end on Halloween of 1929 when it collided with the bulk carrier Marquette in heavy fog on Lake Michigan. The Senator was transporting 268 Nash automobiles, valued at $251,000 at the time, from Milwaukee to Detroit. The collision resulted in the loss of nine crew members and the sinking of the vessel, which now rests approximately 16 miles northeast of Port Washington, Wisconsin, at a depth of 450 feet. Remarkably, many of the vehicles remain intact within the ship’s cargo holds, preserved by the cold freshwater environment. This underwater time capsule offers a unique snapshot of early 20th-century automotive history and has become a point of interest for maritime historians and diving enthusiasts alike.
Additional information can be found on Wisconsin Shipwrecks.
4. Rediscovery of the Western Reserve Shipwreck
The Western Reserve was a pioneering 300-foot steel steamer, celebrated as one of the first all-steel cargo ships to navigate the Great Lakes. In August 1892, during a voyage on Lake Superior, the vessel encountered a severe storm approximately 60 miles northwest of Whitefish Point. The tempest caused the ship to break apart and sink, resulting in the tragic loss of 27 lives, including the ship’s owner, Captain Peter G. Minch, and his family. For over a century, the exact location of the wreck remained a mystery. In the summer of 2024, after an extensive two-year search, explorers from the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society located the remains of the Western Reserve resting in nearly 600 feet of water. This discovery not only provides closure to a long-standing maritime mystery but also offers valuable insights into the shipbuilding techniques and materials of the late 19th century
For a comprehensive account of the discovery, refer to CBS News.
5. The Unique Design and Fate of the SS Choctaw
The SS Choctaw was an innovative vessel launched in 1892, characterized by its “semi-whaleback” design—a hybrid between traditional lake freighters and the whaleback ships conceived by Alexander McDougall. This design featured straight sides with a conventional bow, resulting in a distinctive “tumble-home” configuration where the sides sloped inward above the waterline. While this design aimed to optimize cargo capacity and stability, it also rendered the vessel susceptible to taking on water during rough conditions. Tragically, in 1915, the Choctaw sank in Lake Huron following a collision with the Canadian steamer Wahcondah. The wreck now lies at a depth of 300 feet within the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, serving as a testament to the innovative yet sometimes flawed ship designs of the era.
*More about the SS Choctaw can be found on [NOAA’s Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary](https://thunderbay.noaa.gov/shipwrecks/choctaw.html