Not-A-Pe-Ka-Gon Site

Not-A-Pe-Ka-Gon Site near the Pere Marquette River in Mason County, Michigan, preserves archaeological evidence and oral tradition connected to a violent conflict in regional Indigenous history. After displacement from Wisconsin through Illinois into Michigan, Mascouten people settled inland under Odawa protection, but rising tensions and a false accusation led to an Odawa attack as thousands of Mascouten fled by canoe down the river. Fighting in marshland and near present-day Custer reportedly lasted several days and gave rise to the name Notipekago, meaning “heads on sticks.” The site contains mounds, pottery, and French trade goods and is recognized for both archaeological and historical significance.

Michigan · United States