In the late 1870s and early 1880s, Fillmore County became the unexpected center of a flurry of archaeological discoveries—giant skeletons, copper tools, ancient mounds, and a mysterious clay image that left even university scientists stunned. Local newspapers buzzed with theories, from lost civilizations to tribal wars buried in legend. But after 1880, the stories faded from public memory.

In this debut episode of Roots & Riddles, hosts Leona & Preston explore strange headlines, ancient artifacts, and a mysterious clay image found buried in the mounds of the Root River Valley. These relics once drew the attention of archaeologists—but were soon forgotten.

Who were the people behind these mounds? And why did their story disappear?

Join us as we dig into the archives to uncover one of Fillmore County’s oldest and strangest mysteries.

Sources:

• Popular Science Monthly, Volume 19, September 1881 – “Ancient Copper-Mines of Isle Royale”

• History of Fillmore County Minnesota, compiled by Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge, 1912

• Blog post: “INDIAN MOUNDS,” by billsobservations, May 22, 2012

• The Lanesboro Journal – March 27, 1880; May 1, 1880; September 25, 1880