Discovery of an Ancient Canoe Canal in Gulf Shore
Local lore and circumstantial evidence have long identified a large, long, ditch-like feature across the Fort Morgan Peninsula as an ancient canal. An on-going volunteer effort, organized by citizens of Gulf Shores, has now confirmed that folk identification. 

Archival, geo-archaeological, and radiocarbon evidence points to a Middle Woodland date for construction of the canal, early in the seventh century AD. The canal once ran for a mile between Oyster Bay and Little Lagoon, connecting Mobile Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. This may be the northernmost ancient canoe canal yet identified in the Southeast. The City of Gulf Shores plans to highlight a preserved section of canal in a heritage trail.

About the Speaker:Dr. Waselkov holds a PhD in anthropology from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and began teaching at the University of South Alabama in 1988. Many of his research projects have investigated prehistoric life on the Gulf coast, particularly during the Woodland and Mississippian periods, from AD 500 to 1550. As director of the Center for Archaeological Studies, he has overseen more than 1,000 research projects in southwestern Alabama since the Center's creation in 1992.

Date and Time: November 8, 2018, 7:00 - 8:00pm 

Location: Gulf Shores Cultural Center Auditorium, 19470 Oak Road West (County Road 6), Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Registration: There is no cost to attend, but please register in advance so that seating can be planned.