Known by a variety of names including Nebogwawin Butte and Merry Dance Hill, the Star Mound is a 100-foot-tall, ice-age moraine in southern Manitoba that arises abruptly from the surrounding prairie, west of Snowflake in the Municipality of Louise. From its top, the mound offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape in all directions. At one time an important Aboriginal village site, it was abandoned by the time of a 1738 visit by explorer La Verendrye. A beaver-shaped burial site can still be seen on top of the mound. Star Mound was mentioned by artist Paul Kane in his 1859 book Wanderings of an Artist among the Indians of North America. Excavations were carried out at the site by American archeologist William Baker Nickerson, between 1912 and 1915.
Star Mound School No. 413
Description:
The Star Mound School District was established in June 1885 and it operated a school building on land purchased from farmer James D. Robertson. In 1901, the building was relocated to a more central location at NE15-1-10W then, in January 1962, to Snowflake where it accommodated high school students of Snowflake Consolidated School No. 1111. When the high school students were instead bused to Manitou starting in 1966, the building was acquired by the Star Mound Historical Society and, in 1967, was moved to the top of Star Mound. A cairn beside the former school building was erected in 1970 in commemoration of Manitoba’s centenary. It was dedicated to the memory of local area pioneers.
Star Mound Native Burial Ground
Description:
At one time an important Aboriginal village site, it was abandoned by the time of a 1738 visit by explorer La Verendrye. Prominent on top of the hill is a large burial mound in the shape of a beaver, one of only two such relics in western Canada. The mound is about 8 feet high, 20 feet across and 50 feet long.
Whether or not we fully appreciate the power of a sacred site, people often feel an unbidden respect for them, something transformational that affirms they are a human being here now. Star Mound is one of those places – accessible, holy and respected.
Star Mound Buffalo Rubbing Stone.
Description:
At the west end of Star Mound you will find a Buffalo Rubbing Stone. The view from here is very spectacular.
INFORMATION
There is no charge to explore the museum. A sign and box indicate that donations are gratefully accepted. In summer the museum is sometimes visited by bus tours, and the community holds an annual picnic there on July 1. For more information and photos visit: www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/starmound.shtml.
The museum is open to the public from April to October. From the village of Snowflake (which is south of La Riviere), drive two miles west and one mile north. Be sure to sign the book before you leave, as grants are sometimes dependent on the number of visitors.
https://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/starmound.shtml
In order to claim this Virtual Cache, please send me a message to let me know who's name is on the dedication plaque on the bench and/or post a picture with your log showing you (or your geocaching name on a piece of paper) with something of interest to you, located at Star Mound.
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.