Mero Mound Group (Diamond Bluff Site) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Diamond Bluff Site-Mero Mound Group
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Location | Address restricted |
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| Nearest city | Diamond Bluff, Wisconsin |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000075 and 92000590 |
| Added to NRHP | August 01, 1975 (original) June 04, 1992 (increase) |
The Mero Mound Group, also known as the Diamond Bluff Site, is a very important archaeological site in Wisconsin. It is located near Diamond Bluff, Wisconsin, in Pierce County, Wisconsin. This special place helps us understand how people lived a long time ago.
The site includes at least two ancient village sites. Around these villages, there are hundreds of mounds. Some of these are unique "effigy mounds," which are shaped like animals or other figures. People built these mounds and villages between the years 1000 AD and 1300 AD. The site is also known by its archaeological code, 47-Pi-2. In 1992, the area of the site, then called the Mero Archeological District, was made larger to protect more of its important history.
Contents
Discovering the Mero Mound Group
The Mero Mound Group is a fascinating place for anyone interested in ancient history. It shows us how early people in Wisconsin lived and built their communities. Archaeologists study sites like this to learn about past cultures. They carefully dig and examine artifacts left behind. These artifacts can include tools, pottery, and the remains of old buildings.
What is an Archaeological Site?
An archaeological site is a place where people lived or did things in the past. It is like a giant puzzle waiting to be solved. Archaeologists are like detectives who put together clues from the ground. They find objects and structures that tell a story about ancient times. The Mero Mound Group is a great example of such a site. It provides many clues about the people who lived there centuries ago.
Ancient Villages and Their Builders
The Mero Mound Group has at least two village sites. These were places where people lived together in communities. We can imagine families living in homes, working, and sharing their lives. The people who built these villages and mounds lived between 1000 AD and 1300 AD. This time period was before Europeans arrived in North America. These early inhabitants were skilled builders and organized communities.
What are Mounds?
Mounds are large piles of earth built by people. They can be different shapes and sizes. At the Mero Mound Group, there are hundreds of mounds. Some mounds were used for burials, while others might have been for ceremonies or as platforms for buildings. Each mound tells a part of the story of the people who built it.
Effigy Mounds: Animal Shapes in the Earth
Among the hundreds of mounds at the Mero Mound Group, there are three special ones called "effigy mounds." An effigy mound is a mound shaped like an animal, a person, or a symbol. In Wisconsin, many effigy mounds are shaped like birds, bears, or other creatures. These mounds were likely very important to the people who built them. They might have been used for spiritual reasons or to mark special places.
Protecting the Past
The Mero Mound Group is a protected site. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical location. Protecting these sites helps us learn about the past. It also ensures that future generations can study and appreciate the history of the land. The site's boundaries were even increased in 1992 to help protect more of its valuable history.
