Near Oconto in Oconto County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Old Copper Culture Cemetery

Photographed By Keith L, September 17, 2008

1. Old Copper Culture Cemetery Marker

Inscription. At this site approximately 4,500 years ago, Wisconsin Indians gathered to bury their dead. Because of their use of copper tools, weapons and ornaments, this group became known as the Old Copper people. They fashioned spearpoints, knives and fishhooks from pure copper nuggets that may have been transported from mines as far away as Isle Royale in Lake Superior. Through a process of heating and hammering, the nuggets were made into tools and various other objects.

Old Copper people lived by hunting game, fishing, and collecting plant foods. They interred some of their dead in graves and cremated others in pits. Implements of copper, stone, bone and shell were buried with them.

This particular site was excavated in 1952 by the Wisconsin Archaeological Survey and the Oconto County Historical Society.

Erected 1956 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 53.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks, and the Wisconsin Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1952.

Location. 44° 53.254′ N, 87° 53.873′ W. Marker is near Oconto

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, Wisconsin, in Oconto County. Marker can be reached from Copper Culture Way. Marker is inside Copper Culture State Park, past the Copper Culture Museum, at the end of the driveway to the parking lot (hidden behind trees when trees have leaves). There is no entrance fee to the park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oconto WI 54153, 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. Oconto Site (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mission of St. Francois Xavier (approx. ¾ mile away); First Church of Christ, Scientist (approx. one mile away); Farnsworth Public Library (approx. 1.2 miles away); Nicholas Perrot (approx. 1.4 miles away); Oconto County Veteran's Memorial (approx. 1.6 miles away); Stanley Toy Company (approx. 1.7 miles away); George Beyer Home (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oconto.

More about this marker. It was difficult to find with GPS. Best is to follow the signs to Copper Culture State Park (which appear first on Highway 41 and then lead you into the park).

Regarding Old Copper Culture Cemetery. This is the oldest cemetery site in Wisconsin. The marker was revised in 1978. Previously the term "mounds" was used; there is no evidence of mounds at the site.

Also see . . .

Photographed By Keith L, September 17, 2008

2. Old Copper Culture Cemetery Marker

The Old Copper Complex. North America's First Metal Miners & Metal Artisans (Submitted on October 27, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

Photographed By Melinda Roberts, August 7, 2012

3. Old Copper Culture Cemetery Marker

Marker is hidden behind tree branches.

Photographed By Melinda Roberts, August 7, 2012

4. Old Copper Culture Cemetery Marker

The marker is inside of and past the entrance into Copper Culture Mounds State Park.

Photographed By Melinda Roberts, August 6, 2012

5. Old Copper Culture Cemetery Marker

The Copper Culture Museum is also at this site. Drive past the Museum to the end of the driveway to find the Marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,890 times since then and 38 times this year. Last updated on August 7, 2012, by Melinda Roberts of De Pere, United States. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 26, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 7, 2012, by Melinda Roberts of De Pere, United States. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.