Michigan Underwater "Stonehenge" Back In the News

Origins of underwater stones a mystery Last update: 12:09 p.m. EST Feb. 9, 2009 TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Feb 9, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- An archaeologist says it remains a mystery how a circle of stones initially arrived at the floor of Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay. Underwater archeologist Mark Holley said while he first discovered the underwater stones in 2007, no one has been able to prove whether the rocks were placed there by nature or by mankind, the Chicago Tribune reported Sunday. "The first thing I said when I came out of the water was, 'Oh no, I wish we wouldn't have found this,'" Holley said of his discovery. "This is going to invite so much controversy that this is where we're going to be for the next 20 years." In fact, several state officials and members of native tribes have expressed interest in the stone formation since it was discovered. Holley is hoping to put the growing mystery to rest this summer when he and a Northwestern Michigan College student perform laser scans of the underwater image. The Tribune said the scans will allow the researchers to make a computer model of the site, which is currently protected as a potential Native American site. www.upi.com