While construction might make it seem like Montreal is just one big dig, one hole in Verdun is proving to be a goldmine for archaeologists.
“Many people would see this as the richest Native American site in Montreal,” said archaeologist Christian Gates St. Pierre. “It’s really a very important and interesting site.”
The site is next to an old farmhouse which was already being restored to be turned into a museum. It was during work on the house that the first artifacts were found.
Arrowheads, axe-heads and a knife used to skin animals have already been found, despite the dig being only a month old.
Archeologists credit the Lachine Rapids for the riches they’ve found. The area was once a commonly used route used to portage canoes.
The area also became a trading post for Natives and colonialists, meaning items acquired and traded from other tribes ended up there, explaining the presence of a knife made from rock found in Maine and pottery from England.
“We have found similar items dating back as far in Old Montreal,” said archaeologist Anne-Marie Balac. “But here we have many more that are in better condition.”
Some of the findings require further study to identify their meaning. A drain made of huge rocks weighing hundreds of kilograms remains an enigma. But for now, those working on the dig are ecstatic with what they’ve found.
“I’m very happy with the results,” said Balac.
