Statement of Significance (as of designation - August 6, 1998):
Radeau, French for "raft," refers to a craft whose flat-bottomed, platform-like construction and simple planking are suggestive of this most elementary, utilitarian type of vessel. As the only known survivor of its type, LAND TORTOISE is unique, and although she now lies at a depth of more than 100 feet, the radeau is remarkably well preserved. Built in 1758 by British and provincial forces to be used during the French and Indian Wars, she was deliberately scuttled within two days of her launching on Lake George, to be recovered the following year. That never happened, and in spite of her name, LAND TORTOISE has remained on the bottom of the lake ever since. She is accessible to the diving public.