Fort Atkinson in Jefferson County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Panther Intaglio

Photographed By William J. Toman, May 31, 2010

1. Panther Intaglio Marker

Inscription. Discovered in 1850 by Increase A. Lapham, this is the only known intaglio Effigy mound in the world. It was excavated for ceremonial purposes by American Indians of the Effigy Mound Culture about 1000 A.D. A part of the tail has been covered. Of ten other recorded intaglios, all now destroyed, eight were similar in representing the panther and two represented bears.

Erected 1960 by Fort Atkinson Historical Society. (Marker Number 99.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Man-Made Features • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Wisconsin Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 42° 55.511′ N, 88° 51.27′ W. Marker is in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, in Jefferson County. Marker is on Riverside Drive (State Highway 106), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Atkinson WI 53538, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fort Koshkonong (approx. 1.2 miles away); Soldiers and Sailors (approx. 1.3 miles away); Lorine Niedecker (approx. 3.8 miles away); Black Hawk War Encampment (approx. 3.9 miles away);

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Lake Koshkonong Effigy Mounds (approx. 4.4 miles away); Lincoln Hill (approx. 4½ miles away); Whitewater Historical Society Depot Museum (approx. 8.9 miles away); Stone Stable (approx. 8.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Atkinson.

More about this marker. Related markers at same location by Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin Historic Preservation Commission ("Panther Intaglio Effigy Mound circa 1000 A.D., Local Landmark 1998") and Fort Atkinson Chapter D.A.R. 1920 ("Indian Intaglio Effigy, Panther Type Length 125 feet, Surveyed by Increase A. Lapham 1850"). Please see the below pictures.

Photographed By William J. Toman, May 31, 2010

2. Panther Intaglio Marker

View from the road showing the tail of the panther intaglio, which was apparently "covered" -- as stated in the marker -- by a driveway.

Photographed By William J. Toman, May 31, 2010

3. Panther Intaglio Marker

View of the Rock River across the road from the marker. Note that there is little room to park.

Missing Panther Intaglio Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, April 29, 2012

4. Missing Panther Intaglio Marker

The marker, which was on the pole at the right, is being repainted by its sponsor, the Fort Atkinson Historical Society, and should be back in place in the next several weeks.

Photographed By William J. Toman, May 31, 2010

5. Panther Intaglio Marker

The front portion of the panther intaglio is visible as a depression in the ground.

Photographed By William J. Toman, May 31, 2010

6. Panther Intaglio Marker

These are two related markers nearby

Photographed By William J. Toman

7. Panther Intaglio Marker

Closeup of the nearby related marker from the Daughters of the American Revolution. It reads,

Indian Intaglio Effigy
Panther Type Length 145 feet
Surveyed by Increase A. Lapram 1850
Marked by Fort Atkinson Chapter D.A.R. 1920

Photographed By William J. Toman

8. Panther Intaglio Marker

Closeup of the nearby related marker from the Historic Preservation Commission. It reads,

Panther Intaglio Effigy Mound
circa 1000 A.D.
Local Landmark 1998
Historic Preservation Commission
Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin

Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,496 times since then and 57 times this year. Last updated on April 23, 2015, by Donald Yochem of West Bend, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 1, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on May 1, 2012, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on June 1, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.