In northern Michigan, archaeologists have identified what is likely the largest intact remains of an ancient Native American agricultural site in eastern United States history. Utilizing drone technology to survey over 300 acres, they mapped raised gardening beds used by the ancestors of the Menominee Indian Tribe. This agricultural endeavor, notable for its scale despite non-ideal growing conditions, raises questions about resource investment in maize cultivation during challenging climate periods. The findings challenge prior understandings of population centers and agricultural practices in the region.
"We haven't even been able to locate any significant settlement sites in this region. There's a couple of tiny little villages," says Jesse Casana.
"So it's really shocking in this case to see this level of investment in an agricultural system that would require really enormous amounts of human labor to make happen," Casana adds.
"Why are they investing so many resources into cultivating maize where it's very, very difficult to cultivate maize?" wonders Madeleine McLeester.
Other experts on ancient agricultural systems say the new find is stunning.
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