Prehistoric Canoe Discovered in Pinellas

Pinellas County revealed a recent archeological discovery: An area resident located a 39-foot pine canoe which dates back approximately 1,100 years.

Found in the sand along the shoreline in Weedon Island Preserve, the canoe – along with a pine pole possibly used for paddling or poling – is likely an artifact of the Weeden Island Culture, Florida Gulf Coast inhabitants of the Manasota Period.

Admittedly, a battered, time-worn canoe may not compare to Hollywood’s Indian Jones and his upcoming “Crystal Skull” caper, but the local discovery does come with a bit of a mystery: As investigators document, conserve and protect the find, they are puzzled by how the pine escaped more extensive erosion in the aggressive salt and sand environment.

According to a county press release, to date, only a pre-excavation dig has been undertaken along with radiocarbon dating and wood sampling. Further excavation and preservation of the canoe are dependent upon the acquisition of adequate funding and resources.