Ten thousand years ago, before Million Dollar Beach became a popular tourist destination in New York, Lake George was a glacial lake flowing through the Adirondacks. Today, the beach attracts thousands of visitors every year, yet many are unaware of the priceless treasure that was discovered here. Back in 2013, after surveying the land near the lake, it led to one of the most fascinating archaeological discoveries in New York. Excavators found almost 2,000 prehistoric artifacts dating back to 8,000 BC! It was an amazing find that proves that Indigenous life thrived in the area for many years. Find out more about this Lake George archaeological discovery.
A Brief History of the Discovery at Million Dollar Beach
The state-owned beach is the largest in all of Lake George. It opened in 1951, and its official name is Lake George Beach. But locals know it as Million Dollar Beach, because, as you may have guessed, the name came from the final price that it cost to erect the man-made marvel in New York. An archaeological dig done in the wake of a three-million-dollar improvement project at Million Dollar Beach is what led to this amazing discovery. The dig took place at the southern end of the lake, which experts say would have likely been a fertile hunting and fishing location for nomads during the Archaic Period.
At the time of discovery, it was assumed that many of the finds would eventually end up in a state museum, and they did. Items discovered during the dig included arrowheads numbering in the thousands, stone tools, drills, cutting tools, and many other artifacts. Material covers both the Early Archaic (8,000-6,000 BC) and Late Archaic (4,000-1,500 BC) periods. There are also items from the French and Indian War, which dates from 1755 to 1763.
Significance of the Archeological Site at Lake George
For years, historians documented the history of Lake George, yet very little was known about the region during the Late Archaic period, after the last Ice Age. Lack of evidence created historical gaps, which left historians with no solid way to accurately trace the timeline. That all changed when the site at Lake George was discovered.
Under the direction of the New York State Museum, excavators discovered one of the oldest known archaeological sites in the region. The discovery not only proved that the early Native Americans had tool-making workshops, but the site also provided insights into their nomadic lifestyle in the area. This impressive discovery has provided significant information, forever filling the gaps in New York’s early human history.
What Visitors Can Expect at Million Dollar Beach Today
Today, Million Dollar Beach is a top vacation destination in Lake George, New York, and we think it’s worth a visit. Here, you’ll find lots of activities that will keep you and your family entertained for days. Million Dollar Beach itself is the main attraction at Lake George Beach State Park, where you can swim in crystal-clear lake water, play on the sandy shores, have a picnic, or challenge your friends and family to a friendly game of volleyball. Close by, the Lake George Waterfront and the Lake George Steamboat Company offer cruises, which is a great way to soak up the best scenery of the surrounding Adirondack Mountains…