Lake Michigan is home to a captivating and enigmatic rock formation known as the “Lake Michigan Stonehenge.” This underwater structure, located in Grand Traverse Bay, is approximately 9,000 years old, predating England’s famous Stonehenge by 4,000 years. Discover the fascinating details about this remarkable prehistoric site.
Formation and Age
The Lake Michigan Stonehenge is estimated to be around 9,000 years old, dating back to a time when the lake bed was dry and before Grand Traverse Bay existed. The structure consists of a long line of stones, over a mile in length, arranged in a deliberate pattern. The stones are made of local granite and range in size from that of a basketball to a compact car.
Discovery and Significance
The structure was discovered by Dr. Mark Holley, a professor of underwater archaeology at Northwestern Michigan University, in 2007. Initially, the team was searching for shipwrecks but stumbled upon the stones instead. This discovery is significant because it provides insight into early human history and the capabilities of prehistoric civilizations. The structure’s age and design challenge previous understandings of early human developments in the region.
Features and Carvings
One of the stones features a prehistoric carving of a mastodon, an animal that went extinct around 11,000 years ago. This carving indicates that the ancient people who constructed the structure had knowledge of these creatures. The stones are arranged in a circular pattern, with an outer ring about 40 feet in diameter and an inner ring about 20 feet in diameter.
Geological Processes
The formation of the Great Lakes, including Lake Michigan, was influenced by glacial activity. As the glaciers receded and melted, the lake bed was submerged, and the stones were covered by water.
Similar Structures
A similar structure has been discovered in Lake Huron, which is believed to be a hunting corridor used by ancient civilizations. This structure is also around 9,000 years old and consists of two parallel lines of stones leading to a cul-de-sac.
Authentication and Preservation
Although the site has not been fully authenticated by professionals due to its underwater location, Dr. Holley has notified the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa tribes out of respect for their ancestral heritage. The exact location of the site remains undisclosed to prevent accidental destruction and ensure its preservation for future generations.
Comparison to Stonehenge
The Lake Michigan Stonehenge shares similarities with England’s Stonehenge in terms of its circular arrangement and deliberate placement of stones. However, the stones in Lake Michigan are much smaller than those at Stonehenge, and the Lake Michigan structure does not have any astrological connections and is not a megalith site.
Tourism and Access
The site is located 40 feet beneath the surface of Lake Michigan, making it accessible only to experienced scuba divers and underwater archaeologists. Due to the site’s protected status and the need to preserve it, tourism is not currently encouraged. However, the discovery of this structure has sparked significant interest in the region’s prehistoric history and underwater archaeology.