Lake Koshkonong Effigy Mounds Historical Marker
N 42° 52.508 W 088° 54.537
16T E 344087 N 4748716
The Lake Koshkonong Effigy Mounds Historical Marker is located in the Indian Mounds and Trail County Park on Koshkonong Mounds Road, SW of Ft. Atkinson, WI
Waymark Code: WM2MD1
Location: Wisconsin, United States
Date Posted: 11/20/2007
Views: 73
Between AD 650 and 1200, groups of Native Americans throughout the southern half of Wisconsin and portions of adjacent states built earthen mounds of various shapes and sizes, including mounds shaped like animals, today called effigy mounds. The 11 mounds preserved here in Jefferson County Indian Mounds and Trail Park were part of a larger group of 72 mounds and include symmetrical and animal shapes, resembling birds, turtles or lizards, and perhaps spiritual figures. A remnant of an ancient trail is also visible in the park.
The people who built effigy mounds hunted and collected food, often returning to the same locations seasonally. They lived in semi-permanent villages, used the bow and arrow, and made and used pottery. Mounds likely served ceremonial, spiritual and practical purposes, perhaps marking territories and designating special gathering places. Mounds often, but not always, contain burials. The Lake Koshkonong area once had 23 effigy mound groups, composed of about 500 individual mounds.
Erected 1994
County: Jefferson
Location: Park
MarkerID: 322
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Visit Instructions:
- A picture of the marker with your GPSr or you holding your GPSr.