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When the Woodland Indians traveled, they either went on foot or in a canoe. Inland forest paths connected wide-spread villages and acted as trade routes between tribal groups. Since most villages were located near the shores of navigable water, it was logical for boats to become important both for fishing and transportation.
Making a Dugout Canoe
While further north birch bark canoes were common, in Virginia the people made dugout canoes. These boats could be very large; some were reported to be 50 feet long and capable of holding 40 men. Making a canoe was a long and difficult job which required great skill.
The tree was burned at the base to bring it to the ground and then the top and large boughs were burned off. Next, the small branches were removed with an axe. Finally, the inside of the boat was formed by alternately burning and then scraping with stone or shell tools. These boats could be propelled by either oars or poles made of wood.
The Tulip Poplar
In Virginia, the Tulip Poplar is still sometimes called the "canoe tree" because it was the tree used by the Woodland Indians to make dugout canoes. The Tulip Poplar is the tallest of the eastern hardwoods, ranging from 80 to 100 feet in height. Even now, it is possible to find tulip poplar trees in Arlington with straight, thick trunks which have grown to a height of 100 feet. The wood of these trees is soft and easy to work.
Photo and transcription by Kevin Borland. Part of the "Woodland Indians of Arlington" exhibit at the Gulf Branch Nature Center. Source of photographic images in plaque unknown. Public domain electronic image of de Bry's "The Manner of Fishing in Virginia" available at www.learnnc.org/lp/media/uploads/2007/08/fishing.jpg.
Various classes and activities went on throughout the weekend, including off-site paddles on French Creek and Slippery Rock Creek.
Title: Canoe
Artist: School District 43 students - Originally Centennial Secondary students (1997-1998) and restored in 2015 by Suwa’lkh Secondary students
Medium: Sculpture
Location: Moody Centre Station, Evergreen Extension
Installed: April 7, 2016
Funded by: Evergreen Extension Project
Additional Information: Background & Installation Images, Tri-City News article (digital edition)