Osage Nation reacquires Sugarloaf Mound in St. Louis

The Osage Nation has completed its 17-year effort to fully reacquire Sugarloaf Mound, the last remaining Native American mound in St. Louis. Built between A.D. 600 and 1200, the mound is considered the city’s oldest known human-made structure, according to News9.

The Osage Nation began its reclamation in 2008 by purchasing one-third of the property and later acquired and demolished a house that had stood on the summit since 1928. The final two properties were transferred back to the tribe this year. Andrea Hunter, the tribe’s Historic Preservation Officer, said, “I am thrilled to finally see the entire mound come under Osage Nation control.” The tribe plans to pursue preservation projects, including stabilizing the mound and creating an interpretive center for education and public engagement.