Naples Backyard History Is proud to present part two of our 2013 lecture series
brought to you by St-Tropez Home.
  
  Admission = Donation
  
  Naples' Ancient Indian Canal was carved by native American Indians (speculated to be slaves or cast-offs of the Calusas) between 1200 AD -1400 AD as an effecient transportation route from the Gulf of Mexico to Naples Bay. The canal was first documented in 1874 by a surveyor and again in the1880's by archaeologists who became aware of the canal and began to study it. The canal was such a sophisticated engineering feat that archaeologists found it hard to believe it was constructed by indigenous people, but thought rather it was the work of pirates or Europeans. Pieces of wood found in the soil suggest control gates were constructed as part of the canal. Southwest Florida is the only region in North America to have these canals.
  The canal was covered in the 1920's as Naples grew and developed. Naples Backyard History is working with Archaeologist Bob Carr and his team to use ground penetrating radar to rediscover this ancient marvel. We hope to gather samples to get the true chronology of the canal as well as uncover some of the mysteries of our local Indian culture.
  
Thank you to our History & Heritage partner, St-Tropez Home located on historic 3rd Street South, for your continued support with this fascinating project and all of our preservation efforts. Please view the website link for more information on this local business.
  
Thank you also to our educational partner, Hodges University. Celebrating 20 years of continuing education.
  
Thank you to Naples artist and longtime resident, Paul Arsenault, for sharing your vivid depiction of the indian canal.