New discovery beneath Grand Traverse Bay reshapes understanding of prehistoric America

In its article, Brighter Side highlights that Grand Traverse Bay, renowned for its serene waters and rich maritime heritage, hides a fascinating and ancient past beneath its surface. 

Over time, explorers have discovered various shipwrecks that highlight the bay’s importance as a trade hub in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, a recent groundbreaking find is adding a prehistoric layer to its historical significance.

Dr. Mark Holley, an underwater archaeology professor at Northwestern Michigan University, has revealed an ancient structure beneath the bay. Often referred to as "Michigan's Stonehenge," this discovery is generating excitement and altering perceptions of the region’s ancient past.

Located around 40 feet below the surface of Lake Michigan, the structure, while smaller than its English counterpart, features stones that appear to be intentionally placed. The arrangement spans over a mile, with stones ranging in size from those resembling basketballs to others as large as compact cars, forming a winding line.

A particularly noteworthy stone stands out. Measuring 3.5 to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide, it is carved with the image of a mastodon, providing a rare glimpse into a time when these ancient creatures roamed the area. This extraordinary find bridges the gap between human history and prehistory, deepening the mysteries surrounding Grand Traverse Bay.

The stones are believed to be around 9,000 years old, making them approximately 4,000 years older than Stonehenge. This dates back to a period after the Ice Age, when Grand Traverse Bay was forming and the lakebed had yet to be submerged. Grand Traverse Bay, located in the northeastern part of Lake Michigan and bordered by Michigan’s lower peninsula, spans 32 miles in length and 12 miles in width. Famous for its underwater shipwreck dive sites, the bay draws tourists eager to explore these submerged vessels with snorkels and fins.

The precise location of the Stonehenge-like structure remains a well-kept secret. After his discovery, Dr. Holley notified the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa tribes out of respect for their ancestral heritage and to safeguard the site from potential damage. As a result, the coordinates of this archaeological find are not made public.

The submerged location of the stones presents a major obstacle for archaeologists. Since their discovery in 2007, research on the site has been slow, sparking considerable speculation about its meaning. Scholars have examined other regional stone formations for possible connections, hoping to unlock the mysteries of these underwater structures.

Nearby stone formations offer intriguing hints about the potential purpose of the Grand Traverse Bay arrangement. Dr. John O'Shea from the University of Michigan has studied a rock formation in Lake Huron, dating back 9,000 years. Located 120 feet underwater along the Alpena-Amberley Ridge, this stone structure is thought to have been used in ancient hunting practices, possibly to direct caribou.

Beaver Island, the largest island in Lake Michigan, also features ancient stone structures. On its west side, along the Reddings Trail, there is a circle of glacial boulders, some of which are inscribed. One stone even has a carved hole, indicating it may have had a practical function.

By Naila Huseynova