The Mounds Dugout Canoe
[Mounds State Park]
Adena canoes were typically made from tulip poplar, a tree known for its straight, unbranching trunk. This replica canoe was made from a red oak trunk.
This canoe was constructed by park volunteers using 2000-year-old Adena methods.
The trunk interior was removed using fire. After burning, charred wood and ashes were scraped out using mussel shells from the White River and stone tools.
The Adena were responsible for building the mounds at Mounds State Park. Additionally, the Adena had extensive trade routes using the White River. Canoes were important in traveling and maintaining trade.
This method of canoe making was used by other Native Americans in more recent times.
Repeated fires hollowed the canoe to a sufficient
depth. The sides were coated with mud to prevent
them from burning.
Erected by Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Horticulture & Forestry • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 40° 5.75′ N, 85° 37.183′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana and specifically in Greater Indianapolis. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Indiana State Parks: the First 100 Years (within shouting distance of this marker); Native American Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bronnenberg House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Bronnenberg Family (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named The Bronnenberg House (about 400 feet
Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 21, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 515 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 21, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
