Fred and Germaine Pigeon have spent roughly 30 years protecting Wisconsin's Mounds Bluff Site site (formerly Skunk Hill) from destruction. The site features dance circles compacted below ground level from ceremonial stamping, about 150 markers set at 90-degree angles, stone faces, and a cemetery bulldozed 3-4 times with bones surfacing. A chief archaeologist documented the markers, and Fred's grandfather predicted protecting this place would be his life's mission. Trees planted after WWII now face removal despite their cultural significance.
Pigeons preserve Mounds Bluff Site dance circles, cemeteries, and native markers for 30 years
Key facts
- Fred and Germaine Pigeon have been fighting site destruction for approximately 30 years
- Site originally called Skunk Hill, now named Mounds Bluff Site
- Site contains dense dance circles, lower than surrounding area due to stamping during dances
- One dance circle already destroyed for a children's swing
- Approximately 150 markers at 90-degree angles found at the site
- North cemetery diminished 3-4 times by bulldozer with bones surfacing
- Site mapped by James Shears (Jim Shears)
- Stone faces and two or three sitting stones documented at site
- Trees at site planted after World War II
- Fred's grandfather told him it would be his mission to save this site
- Chief archaeologist visited and documented the 90-degree angle markers
- Market trees targeted for removal with tags hidden from road view by city hall
Site mentioned
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