A rare wooden canoe unearthed in Florida after Hurricane Ian has remained a mystery to experts for three years. The artifact’s origin and construction material, mahogany, continue to puzzle researchers, with connections to the Caribbean and potential historical significance. The canoe was discovered in Fort Myers, Florida, in fall 2022, and its conservation is now complete, yet the mystery of its origin and age persists.
Officials have confirmed that the canoe is made of mahogany, a species native to the northern Keys and the Everglades. Despite this discovery, the exact origin of the canoe remains uncertain, with comparisons to similar vessels in the Caribbean suggesting possible ties to that region. The FDHR’s Facebook post noted that if the canoe is proven to be from the Caribbean, it may be classified as a cayuco, a term used in Hispanic countries to distinguish a small dugout canoe typically for riverine or coastal navigation.
The mahogany’s source is still unclear, with possibilities of being either from South Florida or the Caribbean, leaving the origin of the canoe a mystery. This discovery highlights the historical significance of Florida, which is home to the first permanent European settlement in the continental U.S., with ongoing archaeological discoveries continuing to unravel the state’s rich history.
This summer, a Florida man stumbled on a wrecked vessel while fishing with his grandson – possibly a 19th-century ship designed to carry rum. Earlier this year, officials uncovered remnants of British structures in St. Augustine, shedding light on the city’s 18th-century history.