Some might say Lake Union in Seattle has as much to offer as the city itself, and one organization believes it’s time we get to the bottom of it—literally. The Center for Wooden Boats, who see Lake Union as a “cultural and natural museum,” have initiated a project with DNR to explore inside the lake. The goal is to learn about Lake Union’s maritime heritage by investigating the sunken ships that lie on the bottom.
This process of documenting and protecting Washington’s cultural resources is lead by Maurice Major, DNR’s aquatic archaeologist. DNR also worked cooperatively with non-profits, volunteers, the private sector, and other agencies to get work done at minimum cost. The project involves multiple phases, including sonar surveillance, dive crew and research about the ships themselves.
In the first phase of the project, sonar mapping of the lake bottom found 19 possible sunken boats. Dive crews investigated each site to find out exactly what lay below the surface. They measured dimensions and recorded detailed, specific observations for each ship. Read a diver’s log here.
Researchers will compare the divers’ descriptions with archival evidence and oral histories to piece together a story for each ship. Washington’s vast amount of submerged cultural resources has mostly gone undocumented, until now. Through this project, DNR is proud to contribute to local community heritage and uphold its role as a good steward of these precious resources.
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