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Norton Mound Group

Grand Rapids, Michigan
County of Kent.
Between Indian Mounds Drive & Interstate 196
National Register Number: 66000396
 Resource type: Site.
The threat level was Watch in
2006.
Congressional District: MI-3 Certified Local Government: YES
This NHL offers public access.
Please contact the NHL directly for visitor information.
Current use/information: Mounds are in a city park..
Web Site: www.sos.state.mi.us/history/preserve/phissite/norton.html.

Statement of Significance (as of designation - December 21, 1965):
These are the most imporant and best-preserved Hopewell mounds in the western Great Lakes region. The Norton Mound Group was the center of Hopewellian culture in that area, from ca. 400 B.C. to A.D. 400. Excavations in 1874 revealed numerous burials rich in grave offerings, and later excavations in 1963-1964 provided information on mound construction methods. At one time some 40 mounds were present, and though fewer than half remain today, these are well-preserved in a Grand Rapids city park.

Condition:
Severe erosion, flooding, and nearby development threaten the Mound Group.

The Public Musesum of Grand Rapids has been awarded funding to complete a Culutral Landscape Management Plan that will assess the site's condition. Public awareness of the NHL has increased due to ongoing development of the Kent County Millennium Park.

Recommendation/Change since last report:
The site needs a condition assessment.


Comments and questions about the database may be directed to NHL_info@nps.gov