14/12/2025
A remarkable archaeological discovery has emerged from Lake Waccamaw in North Carolina: a 28-foot-long Native American canoe estimated to be around 1,000 years old. The Waccamaw Siouan Tribe, in partnership with archaeologists, successfully retrieved this ancient vessel from the depths of the lake.
Chief Michael Jacobs of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe underscored the significance of the find, noting, “This 28-foot canoe offers us a rare chance to explore the Native American heritage of southeastern North Carolina more profoundly.”
For centuries, the canoe lay hidden beneath Lake Waccamaw until three teenagers stumbled upon it while swimming in 2021. Eli Hill, one of the teens, shared his experience: “At first, I thought it was just a log when I stepped on it. As we started to dig, it just kept going.”
Hill’s family promptly notified the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology, prompting a dedicated effort to move the canoe closer to their pier, where it remained for nearly two years before its eventual extraction.
John Mintz, the State Archaeologist, emphasized the cultural relevance of the canoe, stating, “Dating back roughly 1,000 years, this canoe is a crucial artifact of southeastern indigenous heritage. It was vital to involve the local Native community in its recovery.”
The canoe is set to be transported to a lab in Greeneville for preservation and analysis. Chief Jacobs expressed eagerness for the forthcoming research, saying, “We intend to conduct comprehensive studies and tests to unveil its mysteries.”
As the canoe was brought to light, many members of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe gathered, filled with a profound sense of appreciation. Chief Jacobs reflected, “Our history continues to unfold. Even amidst the transformations brought by colonial encounters, this canoe aids us in reconstructing and safeguarding our cultural legacy.”