Under the waters of Lake Michigan, off the shore of Traverse City, is a circular formation constructed by man. It is believed to be over 9000 years old. This was a time when the glaciers were retreating. The Great Lakes waters levels were lower than today. The lake basins were carved by the retreating glaciers. There is evidence of ancient man by stone tools found in and around Lake Michigan.
In 2007, Mark Holly, an underwater archaeologist from North Western College, discovered the ancient site while searching for shipwrecks. Under 40 meters of water, he found the stonehenge . On one of the stones, is a carving of a mastodon. They disappeared about the same time. Probable causes for their extinction are hunting along with a change to a warmer and dryer climate.
The site measures around 300 meters in a circular formation similar to Stonehenge. The site currently has 92 granite stones, some weighing several tons. Sonar has been used to map the location and measurements between the stones. Skilled divers can explore the site. The placement of the stones like Stonehenge, have correct astrological and lunar knowledge of the sky movements.
In Lake Huron, a ridge runs across the lake bottom from john to Clark Point Ontario. It continues along the shoreline to gradually disappear.
John O-Shea a archaeologist from the University of Michigan, discovered an elaborate construction of blinds and herding structures, along a ridge continues along the shore before gradually disappearing. It is believed that hunters used the structures to hunt caribou on their yearly migration across Lake Huron. Blinds and herding pens were found on the underwater ridge, giving insight to ancient people’s hunting practices.
Though no large structures like those found in Lake Michigan, have been found in Lake Superior or Lake Erie ,there is evidence of campsites, cleared land and stone walls to mark the presence of man in the great lakes area. Because of the location the sites have been studied only with sonar readings. The mysteries of the Lakes wait for more studies to discover the past.
***. poem
Hidden Mysteries
Underwater off the lake shore.
Stands a 9000 year old mystery.
Structures remain of hunting and knowledge of the stars.
We study to meet our ancestors.
from a far.
carolaspot@aol.com 1/27/25 copyrighted
traveling up and down the blind highway 