OAHT 1604: Ancient Indians in Summit
This Geocache WAS part of the 2016 Oconomowoc Area Historical Tour:
Ancient Indians in Summit
The Paleo Indians were the first residents of Waukesha County. They moved into southeastern Wisconsin about 10,000 B.C. The area was abundant in elk and deer and it is believed that the tribe was drawn here because of this. Spearheads which were characteristic of these people have been found in the area.
Through the ensuing years, many tribes of Indians left their presence here, including the Woodland Indians or “mound builders”. It has been determined that Summit was the richest area in the state in archaeological remains, but many of the mounds of which early records are given have nearly or entirely disappeared.
Over 20 mounds discovered by early surveyor Increase Lapham, are believed to date as far back as 100 B.C. to 1600 A.D. built before they were driven away by their enemies. Summit was famous for its mounds shaped like panthers, lizards and the great turtle mound that is preserved on Silver Lake at Indian Mound Reservation. It is also known as the “Holy Mound”, it is about 150 feet in length.
There are 5 Indian mounds located northeast of this location, between the Aurora Hospital and Summit Cemetery.
Permission was granted to hide this cache by:
Lance J. Stock
Recreation Specialist, Sr.
Facilities and Lands-Southern District
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources