Heather and I searched it out today. Over the years it has been called Sugarloaf Mound. It was 2009 when the Osage Nation purchased it. It is located on Ohio St. south of I-55.
When we got there we parked the car. There were "No Trespassing" signs posted. We were taking photos from the Street when the woman who lives next door pulled out of her driveway. She stopped by us and rolled down her window. "Are you looking for the caves," she asked. Apparently some people had contacted her about showing them where the entrances to the old caves were on the property. We told her we weren't, we were just looking at the Mound. She told us to feel free to roam around. The signs were just to keep the kids out. So we did.
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| From the street. |
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| Another angle. |
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| While standing in the backyard. |
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| Another photo while in the backyard. |
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| A view of the river from the top of the Mound. |
I know the plan had been for the area to become an historical interpretive site. These things take time. I hope it comes to pass.
Nice waterview from the mound.
ReplyDeleteSonja,
DeleteYes, it has a great view of the River, perhaps that is part of why it was build. There is much mystery around the peoples who built these mounds.
~k
I like learning more of history.
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that it was a signaling mound and not a burial mount. The house built atop it doesn't seem as degrading now. I was trying to figure out why someone would build on a burial mount then I clicked the link. Thanks for providing the link too.
Brandy,
DeleteI thought the links did a better job of giving the back story then I could. I'm glad you found them helpful. The Cahokia Mounds site is well worth the visit if you are ever in the area.
~k
Yes, thanks for the link. I was curious of the house being built on it as well. I'm always intrigued about objects like this. Because they are so difficult to "see". Just like what historians say are Civil War trenches here. I just can't be certain when comparatively speaking it looks like the drainage trench that was dug 40 years ago nearby.
ReplyDeleteI do hope the interpretive center is built. Would be great.
Lori,
DeleteI, too, hope the center gets built. I think many folk who live in St. Louis are only mildly aware of the mounds that were once here. We were not the first to build a major City here. I'm fascinated by the mound builders and hope to visit some of the other sites sometime.
~k
That's really interesting Keith. When you visit Europe you realize that the veneer of "history" is very thin here. Whenever I stumble on some obscure historical site, it's always a treat. Particularly so when the historical record challenges generally received interpretations of our history. Perhaps in time more will become known about that early native metropolis.
ReplyDeleteDavid,
DeleteI had the profound experience of playing Lacrosse on the area which once was the great plaza of the metropolis across the River near Cahokia. What made it compelling was knowing the residents played some game akin to the stick and ball game I was playing. While "our" veneer of history here is thin, there is another history we are unraveling and seeking to understand. Sadly, I suspect much of this history will remain hidden or lost. I share your hope that more will become known. My greater hope is for what is already known to be more fully appreciated.
~k