Lizard Mound County Park - Farmington, WI
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Lizard Mound Effigy Mound
When I was a kid, I knew absolutely nothing about Native American effigy mounds. That is not to say that they weren't a part of my textbooks in school, but without having ever experienced seeing any in my childhood, it probably just didn't stick with me. I didn't see my first effigy mound until I was married. My husband, whose step-father is Native American and whose birth father collects Native American artifacts, has always had an interest in effigy mounds and he passed that fascination on to me.
That will explain a bit of why I was so excited when my friend and I found Lizard Mound County Park in the town of Farmington, Wisconsin on a beautiful, crisp, sunny, fall morning. Traveling is meant to help us learn more about ourselves, our families, and each other. Visiting this place taught me a lot that I wasn't even expecting to learn. I am excited to share with you my discoveries, both of this place, and what I learned about my very own family that I didn't know before.
When we drove up to the park, I was already in love. I am an autumn girl all the way, and when we pulled into the parking lot in October, with our hot coffee in hand from nearby West Bend, and saw the sun shining through all the golden leaves, we knew we needed to get out and see what this park was all about.
Interesting that this park was added to the National Register of Historic Places less than two months before I was born.
Historians are often puzzled as to why the Native Americans created effigy mounds other than to bury bodies and artifacts in. Why were they so precise and in the shapes that they were? I have a theory. I think about this every time I visit effigy mounds. The Native Americans loved and revered nature. They were such a part of nature day in and day out, connected to it in ways that most of today's generation cannot relate to. Everything in nature held a spiritual meaning to them. They looked to nature for guidance and direction. They lived, hunted, worked amidst all the animals, plants, and trees. We are far removed from living like the Native Americans, but when I am in nature, I have a deep desire to share the wonderful things I experience in the outdoors. That is why I love photography and writing so much. It helps me share all the things I have seen and experienced while being in God's creation. Native American mound builders were like prehistoric photographers or artists, using nature to capture moments in time.
The Native Americans did not have technology like we do. Yet, I know they had wonderful experiences with the world around them. They even would name their children after nature. Names like, "Little Gopher or Little Hawk," would have deep meaning to the parents and children. I was mentioning this to my son at the breakfast table just this morning as he was coloring pictures of Native Americans for his school homework assignment. My husband said very casually, "Yeah, I had an Indian name." I was shocked! All of us were suddenly very interested. Again, very casually, he says, "I think it was Red Bird or something like that. You will have to ask my mother." I bet you can guess what I did. I immediately sent a message to my mother-in-law wanting to know more. She gave me permission to quote her. Here is what she said:
"Yep, It was Red Bird.
Bill's Uncle Vyron named him that
because he talked constantly,
just like a red bird that is always chattering."
-Cheryl Voelz
My husband's step-dad (Bill) is Menominee Indian and my husband spent a lot of time on their reservation when he was growing up. How fun it was for me and the kids to learn this new thing about him. I will never look at a red bird in the same way again. I must say that the description still fits him well because he still likes to chatter.
The morning sun, shining on the exploding milkweed seed pods was a brilliant sight. I grow milkweed in my yard because it is beneficial for Monarch butterflies. However, seeing all the milkweed at the park made me wonder if the Native Americans had any ways of using it because they were masters at using the natural world's resources for different ailments. So, I did a little research online.
According to Dr. Mercola's website,
"Native Americans taught the first European settlers how to cook the plant properly to avoid becoming poisoned. The sap was applied topically to help remove warts, and the roots were chewed to help ease dysentery. Infusions of the roots and leaves were also made to help with coughs, fever and asthma."
Seriously, I will never look at the milkweed plant the same again. Milkweed was like our modern day Tylenol, Advil, Vicks NyQuil, Pepto Bismol and Wart Stick all in one. A lot cheaper too. Astounding!
According to NativeTech.org, milkweed was also used to cure poison ivy, of which I read elsewhere from a review that this park has lots of poison ivy which you will encounter if you go off the trails. So, if you are one who likes to go off the beaten path, beware! This led me to think of how very useful this milkweed plant must have been to the mound builders in this exact location.
If that wasn't fascinating enough, according to this Countryside website,
"Native Americans employed the tough stalk fibers for making string and rope. Not least among the uses of common milkweed, however, is its versatility as a vegetable. Here’s a milkweed plant fact: Milkweed produces four different edible products, and all of them are delicious. It was a regular food item for all Native American tribes within its broad range."
According to the sign above, only half of all effigy mounds were actually for burial purposes. So, why were the other half made? My theory is that the Native Americans had that same strong, spiritual desire that I have to share my spiritual encounters and experiences with others in a way that expresses thankfulness for the gifts given to us through nature, by our Creator. I cannot help but think they had vision for the future. A vision to want to make sure future generations could learn of what was important and valuable to them. It was no easy task to make these mounds back then, and yet, it was important to them as you can find mounds all over the state of Wisconsin, and other states as well, formed into a variety of animal shapes, man shapes, and other miscellaneous shapes.
Path Through Lizard Mound County Park
While walking this path, my friend, (who used to want to be an Indian girl with long braided hair), and I started making some Indian war-cry noises like we used to do when we were kids. The kind where you hit your mouth with your hand while making noise. Seemed like the right thing to do as we walked the same grounds where the woodland Indians once hunted for their food. The sandhill cranes were making their own ancient noises at the same time that fit the scene well. It's a good thing we were the only ones there at that moment. Some people just never grow up. Places like this tend to bring that childhood imagination and curiosity back to life in some of us.
Often in my travels, a song will just pop into my head out of nowhere. This happened to me while I was here. The song by Beyonce', entitled, "I Was Here." The lyrics fit perfectly and really touch on what you will encounter while viewing these beautiful mounds.
"I wanna leave my footprints on the sands of time
Know there was something that, meant something that I left behind
When I leave this world, I'll leave no regrets
Leave something to remember, so they won't forget
I was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I've done everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here"
Can't you just picture the Native Americans thinking those exact lyrics while building these mounds? Beyonce's lyrics touch so deeply on something deep within each one of us. The desire to leave a lasting legacy, to make a difference, to not be forgotten. That is why it is so important that we teach our kids about these historical landmarks and the importance of preserving these great places for the future.
According to "The Eagle's Voice - Tales Told by Indian Effigy Mounds" by Gary J. Maier, MD, "All effigy mounds tell tales. They tell stories about death, about battle, about leadership, and other important issues to the culture." In the same book he goes on to say that, "More than 80% of mounds have been destroyed by white men."
This should sadden us. While our society progresses with technology and development, we must make the choice to preserve our ancient history for the future. This is why I have a strong desire to encourage you to take your children to places like this. Teach them about the Native Americans and their love of nature. Talk to them about the importance of being involved in protecting sites like this. Teach them about a people who used nature to heal diseases. It may spark their curiosity to learn more and rediscover something that needs to be reintroduced into our current society.
According to "Indian Mounds of Wisconsin," by Robert Birmingham, "More Indian mounds were built in Wisconsin than in any other equivalent area of land in North America. Most of those mounds have disappeared under the plow."
The few that are left are certainly worth taking the time to visit. It is my hope that I have inspired you to visit them, and especially to visit Lizard Mound County Park where you can see 28 of the best preserved mounds out of the 60 that were originally here.
If you do happen to visit this particular county park, I would love to hear about your adventure. Or if you have other Indian mounds that you enjoy visiting, please leave me a comment below and tell me all about it. I love to hear from my readers.
Until next time, always choose the scenic life!
Hannah Babiak is a stock photographer and travel blogger. For writing assignments or ideas for future posts, please contact her at alwayschoosethesceniclife@gmail.com or leave a comment below.
Good read, thanks, Hannah! :) How crazy that your husband never mentioned his Indian name before! Sometimes we just need a trigger for our buried memories to be unearthed. ;) I look forward to visiting Lizard Mound!
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