
Coil Mound to be built in Horner Park – Source: chicagopublicartgroup.org
In a spark of artistic and placemaking brilliance, a new nine+ (9.5) mile long cultural trail is taking shape in Chicago. To be bookended by newly created Native American Mounds, the Northwest Portage Walking Museum (now also known as 4000N) will link cultures, nature, and communities from Horner Park on the Chicago River to Schiller Woods on the Des Plaines River.

Northwest Portage Walking Museum – Source: nps.gov
Indigenous futurist Santiago X has designed two (2) impressive mounds that will serve as anchor gateways to the linear museum – a Serpent Mound on the west end and a Coil Mound on the east. As Mr. X noted about past of his inspiration for the project:
“I don’t see the presence of the indigenous point of view, the indigenous architect. I don’t see the presence of indigenous place makers in any of these cities, so I would like to return to that or at least catalyze the movement to create indigenous spaces again.” SOURCE: nps.gov
The Serpent Mound has been installed and represents the first effigy mound to have been constructed by Native Americans in approximately 500 years! It was constructed using ancestral soils and Indigenous plantings from tribal lands across the United States.

Rendition of Serpent Mound – Source: chicagopublicartgroup.org
Partners in this inspiring project include the American Indian Center of Chicago, the Portage Park Neighborhood Association, and the Chicago Public Art Group, with assistance from the National Park Service, Forest Preserves of Cook County, and the Metropolitan Planning Council. If you are interested in contributing to this exciting project, here is a weblink to the gofundme page that is dedicated to funding Coil Mound.

Serpent Mound as plantings are being installed – Source: nps.gov
_______
If you are interested in learning more about the Moundbuilders and their mound structures, here are a few resources available on Amazon.com*.
*A small commission is earned from purchases that are made using these links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
SOURCES:
- https://www.nps.gov/articles/northwest-portage-walking-museum-connecting-visitors-to-illinois-natural-and-cultural-history.htm
- http://www.chicagopublicartgroup.org/northwest-portage-walking-museum
- https://www.facebook.com/4000N/
- https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/06/12/walking-museum-to-honor-citys-native-american-history-with-serpent-mound-and-more-but-organizers-need-your-help/
- https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/20/horner-park-coil-mound-could-break-ground-in-spring-after-army-approval/
- https://ie.gofundme.com/f/coil-mound-fundraiser-for-indigenous-futurity