Rye, New Hampshire: A Beach town with a Hidden History.

Rye, New Hampshire, is not only where SeaBee Honey is located it also a popular beach resort town with the largest coastline in the state. It's known for its sandy beaches, rocky outcroppings, and world-class surfing. But Rye has another secret: a sunken forest that can be seen when the sand is removed after a large coastal storm.
Located on the south side of Straw's Point, the Sunken Forest is a remnant of an ancient cedar forest that was submerged by rising sea levels over 3,500 years ago. The stumps of the trees are still visible at low tide when the sand has been removed by a storm, and they provide a fascinating glimpse into Rye's  geological past.
When the sand has been removed The Sunken Forest is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. It's also a popular spot for photographers, as the stumps create stunning pictures and interest.
Are the stumps a sign to come of global warming and rising sea levels.  Actually - they are a normal example of a glacial rebound.  After the last ice age and glaciers melted and the earth's crust rebounded from the sheer weight of the glacial ice.  The surface increased and one could walk from Rye to Nantucket over land.  The coastline was further out then it is today.  As the plant life returned forests sprouted up and some of them were caught as the crust sunk back down and the ocean reclaimed its property.  Cedar forests on the edge of the current shore died off and left their stumps as testaments of their presence.
The Sunken Forest is a unique and fascinating place to visit. It's a reminder of Rye's rich history and the power of nature.
​
.  

Sunken Forest Stump - Straw's Point Rye New Hampshire. Photo Credit: SeaBee Honey

---