Ancient canoes hidden beneath Wisconsin’s lakes unlock centuries of Indigenous history, offering a rare glimpse into the past. 🌐 #News #MadisonWI #Wisconsin #Crime. MADISON, WI – A discovery deep underwater in Wisconsin has brought to light a piece of history that’s older than many might expect. In 2021, archaeologist Tamara Thomsen was diving in Lake Mendota, near Madison, when she spotted a decayed dugout canoe. Carved from a white oak tree about 1,200 years ago, the canoe was a rare and significant find. It marked the beginning of an ongoing project that’s uncovering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the region’s Indigenous peoples-stretching back thousands of years.