Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Conical Mound

0 - 400 A.D.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 18, 2010

1. Conical Mound Marker

Inscription. This mound was constructed by a people of a hunting and gathering culture who met periodically at ceremonial grounds like this one to bury their dead.

Erected by Madison Landmarks Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Native Americans • Notable Places.

Location. 43° 4.816′ N, 89° 17.625′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker can be reached from Meadowlark Drive, 0.1 miles north of Woodvale Drive, on the right when traveling north. The marker is in the Elvehjem Sanctuary, which may be entered next to the house at 1229 Meadowlark Drive. Follow the path and take right turns at the first two "Y" intersections. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1221 Meadowlark Drive, Madison WI 53716, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Boutell House (approx. ¾ mile away); Alexander Smith House (approx. 1.3 miles away); Hiestand School (approx. 1½ miles away); Hiestand Park (approx. 1½ miles away); The Monona Mound (approx. 1.6 miles away); Frank Allis House (approx. 1.7 miles away); Springhaven Pagoda

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(approx. 1.8 miles away); Blooming Grove Town Hall (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding Conical Mound. According to the Madison Landmarks Commission, "Wisconsin has the highest concentration of effigy mounds in the United States and the Madison area has one of the highest concentration of effigy mounds remaining. Most mounds were lost to 19th century agricultural practices and city development. The mound builders were farmers who also engaged in hunting and gathering. They lived in small villages and migrated from one to another based on the seasonal availability of natural resources. The mounds often, but not always, have burials associated with them, but their exact purpose is not entirely understood. Mounds tend to have been built in places with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The mounds are considered sacred by modern Native Americans and should be treated with respect."

Photographed By William J. Toman, April 24, 2011

2. Conical Mound Marker

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 18, 2010

3. Conical Mound Marker

Conical Mound image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, April 24, 2011

4. Conical Mound

Photographed By William J. Toman, April 24, 2011

5. Conical Mound

This is the only apparent mound in the area, though it is only a few feet high and has a depression in the middle. This mound is to the right of the marker.

Access to Conical Mound Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 18, 2010

6. Access to Conical Mound Marker

The Meadowlark Drive entrance to the Elvehjem (pronounced "LVM") Sanctuary.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,211 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 19, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on April 25, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on July 19, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 4, 5. submitted on April 25, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 6. submitted on July 19, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.