Ogden-Fettie Site

The Ogden-Fettie Site is an archaeological location containing thirty-five earthen mounds arranged in a crescent shape spanning roughly 200 acres. The largest mound in the center rises about 15 feet high and serves as the focal point of this ancient settlement.

The mound complex was built by Havana Hopewell culture peoples between roughly 100 BCE and 400 CE as a demonstration of their communal organization abilities. The arrangement patterns suggest the site was actively used and maintained across multiple generations.

Archaeological excavations at the site have uncovered pottery fragments, stone tools, and dwelling remains that demonstrate the technological capabilities of prehistoric Native American societies.

The site is located south of Lewistown in Fulton County, Illinois and can be explored on foot since the mound complex sits in open land and is easy to reach. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for changing weather conditions in this open countryside setting.

A pentagonal enclosure formed by four smaller mounds and a village area marks this site and represents a rare layout found nowhere else west of Ohio. This unusual geometric arrangement suggests deliberate planning that may have reflected the ceremonial or social structures of this early community.

Location: Fulton County

GPS coordinates: 40.34083,-90.11833

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:06