Merton in Waukesha County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The “Fort Hill” Indian Mounds of Merton
Photographed by Connor Olson, September 22, 2023
1. The “Fort Hill” Indian Mounds of Merton Marker
The two mounds in front of you are the only remaining Native American mounds in Merton. While surveying Merton in 1851, Increase Lapham found several other mound groups, including a very large bird-shaped effigy mound approximately 1/4 mile to the southeast of this spot. That and the other mounds groups were destroyed by farming.
The mounds were constructed by Native Americans from 700 BC - 1300 AD during what is known as the "Woodland Period." Some. mounds were used as burial places while some were not. The purpose of these mounds - on what Lapham called "Fort Hill" - is unknown.
Indian Mounds are protected by Wisconsin state law and are considered by law as burial sites. It is illegal to tamper with the mound and/or remove any artifacts from it.
Please observe the mound from the area close to this sign. Most of the mounds are on private property, so please be respectful and do not trespass.
Erected 2020 by Troop 47, Boy Scouts of America.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical year for this entry is 1851.
Location. 43° 8.915′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin and in Greater Milwaukee. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Village of Merton (approx. 0.2 miles away); Martin C. Weber, Sr. (approx. ¼ mile away); Plainview School No. 4 (approx. 1.2 miles away); Beaumont Hop House (approx. 2 miles away); Town of Lisbon (approx. 3.1 miles away); Sixteen School (approx. 3.1 miles away); Monches (approx. 3.2 miles away); North Lake (approx. 3.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by Connor Olson, September 22, 2023
2. The “Fort Hill” Indian Mounds of Merton Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. First Baptist Church Of Merton (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named First Baptist Church Of Merton (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2023, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,249 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 22, 2023, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
