Near Lake Mills in Jefferson County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Aztalan Mound Park
Photographed By William J. Toman, September 4, 2010
1. Aztalan Mound Park Marker
Inscription.
Aztalan Mound Park. . Site of the famous prehistoric Indian stockade-protected village known as Aztalan first described by N.F. Hyer in the Milwaukee Advertiser in January 1837. Described by Dr. Increase A. Lapham, in The Antiquities of Wisconsin in 1855. Explored by the Milwaukee Public Museum in 1919-21. Purchased by the citizens of Jefferson County in 1922, and presented to the Wisconsin Archeological Society.
Site of the famous prehistoric Indian stockade-protected village known as Aztalan first described by N.F. Hyer in the Milwaukee Advertiser in January 1837. Described by Dr. Increase A. Lapham, in The Antiquities of Wisconsin in 1855. Explored by the Milwaukee Public Museum in 1919-21. Purchased by the citizens of Jefferson County in 1922, and presented to the Wisconsin Archeological Society.
Erected 1927 by the Wisconsin Archeological Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1837.
Location. 43° 4.131′ N, 88° 51.773′ W. Marker is near Lake Mills, Wisconsin, in Jefferson County. Marker is on County Road Q, 0.3 miles south of County Road B, on the left when traveling south. The marker is adjacent to the parking lot at the entrance to the Aztalan State Park. A vehicle admission sticker is required just to park there. Theoretically, one could avoid the fee by parking on the highway and walking into the lot; aside from the safety issues, however, it is worth the price of admission to visit the rest of the park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lake Mills WI 53551, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are
Photographed By William J. Toman, September 4, 2010
2. Aztalan Mound Park Marker
The Aztalan marker and the reconstructed Aztalan stockade are in the background.
Photographed By William J. Toman, September 4, 2010
3. Aztalan Mounds
Photographed By William J. Toman, September 4, 2010
4. Aztalan Mounds
Photographed By William J. Toman, September 4, 2010
5. Aztalan Mounds
Photographed By William J. Toman, September 4, 2010
6. Aztalan National Historic Landmark Marker
Photographed By William J. Toman, September 4, 2010
7. Related Aztalan Mound Marker
Conical Mound Precinct
When I.A Lapham surveyed the site in 1850, there were over 40 mounds in this area. Today only these few remain. When these mounds were excavated by archaeologists in the 1920's, they found no burials, which was unexpected. Instead they found a large post set in a pit in the center of most mounds. The post was surrounded by gravel and soil and the pit capped with a mixture of clay and gravel to steady the post in its foundation. When all the mounds were built, you would have seen a row of tall posts set about ten feet above ground surface.
A few of the mounds were reported to have burials excavated by locals in the early 1800's. One mound at the north end of the row, currently located behind the Historical Society's museum, contained the famous "Princess Burial".
There are several theories about the purpose of the large posts. One is that they were marker mounds that marked the site for travelers. Another is that they were used for astronomical observations or to announce events. Yet another theory is that the posts were raised as part of a harvest or "green corn" ceremony because of their location overlooking the agricultural fields.
Whatever their purpose, it is clear they were sacred and played an integral part of village ceremonial life. The mounds are still considered sacred by Native Americans today.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 20, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,398 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on September 4, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 5, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.