Archaeologists - Florida canals oldest in North America

ORTONA, Fla. -- Archaeologists said Thursday they have discovered the longest and oldest canals ever found in North America, a sophisticated system of channels dug by Indians with wood and shell tools 1,800 years ago.

The ancient canal system was discovered along with a sacred pond in this rural community near Lake Okeechobee.

The two canals, seven miles in length altogether, represent the longest and oldest canals in North America and show evidence of greater complexity in native American society than previously suspected, said Robert S. Carr of the Archaeological and Historical Conservancy.

The canals were used for fishing and for transportation.