[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17926]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SAUK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S 
                      STEWARDSHIP OF THE MAN MOUND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2008

  Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Sauk County 
Historical Society for 100 years of stewardship of the Man Mound. Built 
to resemble a human figure and measuring over 200 feet in length, the 
Man Mound is now believed to be our Nation's only remaining Native 
American effigy mound in the shape of a human. The Sauk County 
Historical Society has fought for over a century to protect the Man 
Mound, and the remarkable survival of this relic can be largely 
attributed to those efforts. The historical society's work on behalf of 
the Man Mound serves as an ideal example of its dedication to local 
communities and to the enrichment of society through historical 
preservation.
  The society's fight to preserve the Man Mound began in 1907, only a 
few years after H.E. Cole founded the organization. While surveying the 
Man Mound, Cole discovered that the structure would soon be completely 
demolished and then plowed as farmland, like almost 900 other Native 
American mounds in the area. Cole and the historical society took 
immediate action to save the Man Mound by leading a collaborative, 
community-oriented effort. The Sauk County Historical Society, in 
conjunction with the Wisconsin Archaeological Society and the Wisconsin 
Federation of Women's Clubs, raised enough money to purchase the Man 
Mound and protect it from cultivation and further destruction. The 
surrounding park was then dedicated in August of 1908.
  The Sauk County Historical Society's commitment to the stewardship of 
this landmark demonstrates an impressive appreciation of the past and 
of history's value to modern society. The historical society truly 
recognizes the importance of using resources like the Man Mound to 
spread knowledge and educate our society. By preserving the Man Mound, 
the Sauk County Historical Society allows us to connect with the past 
and provides us with a tangible link to the Native Americans who 
preceded us as stewards of this land.
  Even as we take this opportunity to look back in appreciation, the 
historical society is planning ahead for the future of the Man Mound 
and Man Mound Park. With support from the Wisconsin Archeological 
Society, the Wisconsin Archeological Survey, the Wisconsin Historical 
Society, the Ho-Chunk Nation, and the General Federation of Women's 
Clubs--Wisconsin, the Sauk County Historical Society is initiating a 
comprehensive study of the structure and working to ensure the future 
of this invaluable artifact.
  For their commitment to the people of Wisconsin and to the enrichment 
of their community through historical conservation and preservation, I 
congratulate the Sauk County Historical Society. The 100th anniversary 
of the society's stewardship of the Man Mound marks a truly remarkable, 
well-deserved milestone.

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