Hurricane Irma reveals historic native artifacts

MARCO ISLAND (FOX 13) - Hurricane Irma may have unearthed artifacts dating back thousands of years.  Archaeologists discovered ancient artifacts near uprooted trees on Marco Island, where Irma made landfall. 

The historic pieces may belong to the Calusa tribe, which ruled Southwest Florida for hundreds of years.  The tribe disappeared after the new world was discovered.

"We're seeing shell tools, pottery, historic pieces," explained Austin Bell, the curator of the Marco Island Historical Museum.  "You can go down and pick up an artifact that someone else held centuries ago in the same spot your standing. It's a pretty unique feeling."

Archaeologists say their goal is to keep most of the artifacts on site once they're GPS-tagged and logged.

Some recovered items will be preserved at the Marco Island Historical Society.