An archaeological dig in Lakeshore wrapped up Monday, while construction on the Puce River bridge expansion along County Road 22 carries on.

Up to 100,000 objects were uncovered during the dig, giving a glimpse back into Essex County history.

Jackie Fisher, lead archaeologist, says now that the digging and dusting are complete, the project moves into the next phase.

“The actual detective puzzle figuring out is just beginning," says Fisher.

The earth peelers have been uncovering thousands of years of history over the past year. Some items are predicted to about 4,000 years old.

“It's one of those bitter sweet moments where we've finished so that's it," says Fisher.

The dig was paid for by Essex County. It unveiled various items, including pottery, arrowheads, wild bore tusks and axe pieces. Some things from other regions were found, including the Caribbean.

University of Windsor archaeological student Michael McMaster says he can't believe the incredible amount of history left behind from differing Native and European cultures.

"Lots of animal remains from meals and cook fires, we found a lot of living surfaces,” says McMaster. “It's amazing how long people have been coming to this spot in the river."

All things discovered will be cleaned and studied further before the third and final preliminary excavation report is finalized for the county.

“The county has expressed an interest in a short or long term loan, plus we're looking into the transference of the artifacts to a local area."

The artifacts will go up to the Hamilton area to be studied. The archeological team could not say if or when the artifacts would be on public display.