Ancient Dugout Excavated in Florida

A dugout canoe estimated at 1,100 years old was recently excavated on Weedon Island, near St. Petersburg, Florida. At 40 feet long and reasonably complete, the canoe is a remnant of the Manasota culture. The Manasota were indigenous to Florida's west coast from about 550 BC to 900 AD, according to this report in the UK's Daily Mail.

Discovered about ten years ago, excavation did not occur until recently, after the development of a proper plan for preservation and the necessary fundraising. After about two years of preservation efforts, the canoe is expected to go on display at the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center.


Watch the cheesy local news report.

Thanks to friend Tom Rankin for this news item.