The Project
Planning
There are ongoing plans for construction of a 35-foot tall steel sculpture at the Cuba Visitor’s Center that celebrates the history and legacy of the Osage Nation. The project, which will be overseen by Cuba artist Glen Tutterrow, is currently in a fundraising stage. Construction will begin in 2015.
Execution
The sculpture will depict an Osage Indian family traveling westward along the Osage Trail. It will feature an Osage warrior in period-specific dress and historically accurate ornamentation, followed on the trail by his family. The following story provides a brief historical overview of the Native American tribe that in the 18th century was the dominant tribe in the region.
Results
The sculpture will stand 35 feet tall, 20 feet wide, and 80 feet in length and will be located at the intersection of Highway 19 and Interstate I-44 in Cuba Missouri. The sculpture is designed to work with the contours of the site which will include working water features and native plant landscaping. Additionally, the walking trail will be lighted for evening viewing opportunities. The 35 foot height will allow interstate drivers to see the sculpture from the city limit boundaries, both east and west.
The Monument
The planned sculpture depicts an Osage family traveling westward along the Osage Trail. It will feature a warrior in period- specific dress and historically accurate ornamentation being followed on the trail by an Osage mother and her two children. Tutterrow is adamant that, “the project be done right, in both the cultural and historical sense.” To ensure historical accuracy, the design was sent to the leadership of the Osage Nation for review and the project received approval. Positive feedback has already been returned, and the Osage Nation has fully endorsed the project. This project will be the only known monument to the Osage Nation in the state of Missouri, and will be a destination point for those interested in American history or Native American culture. A scaled-down mockup of the sculpture is currently being displayed at the Tourist Center in Cuba, Missouri.
The Designers and Sculptors
Glen Tutterrow
Curtis Tutterrow
To Donate Online for the Osage Trail Legacy Monument Project
Latest news
Drone footage of the Osage Trail Legacy Monument
Check out this drone footage of the Osage Trail Legacy Monument! The Missouri Conservation Department is assisting in the landscaping development, incorporating native Missouri flowers and plants. This drone footage will help them to see the whole site at once.
The Final Piece of the Osage Project
On Monday, August 28, 2017, the final piece of the Osage Trail Legacy Project made its way from the artist’s home through the town of Cuba, Missouri to its place at the head of the monument site. The Osage Warrior, standing over 21 foot tall, can be seen from I-44. Other aesthetic matters, such as Read more about The Final Piece of the Osage Project[…]
The Little Girl and Wolf
The little girl and the wolf are now on their base at the Visitor Center in Cuba, Missouri!
Work Continues on the Osage Trail Legacy Project
Work continues on the Osage Trail Legacy Project! Here is the latest update.
Shon-ge Tun-kah – Wolf of the Osage Trail Legacy Monument Project
On December 23, 2015, Shon-ge Tun-kah was unveiled and moved to Visitor Center in Cuba, Missouri What started as one man’s dream to honor a nation is one step closer to becoming a reality. This video tells the first part of this amazing story. This is just the beginning of the Osage Trail Legacy Monument Read more about Shon-ge Tun-kah – Wolf of the Osage Trail Legacy Monument Project[…]
Progress is being made on monument
Here is an update video that shows the progress being made on the monument.
Osage Indian talk By Rob Viehman
10-22-15 Osage Indian talk By Rob Viehman Those working on the Osage Trail Legacy Project, which will feature a large-scale sculpture near the I-44 overpass, hosted a special presentation by well-known Osage Indian expert Jim Duncan at the Recklein Public Library last Friday night. Approximately 50 area residents were in attendance. Duncan is a native Read more about Osage Indian talk By Rob Viehman[…]
Jim Duncan came to Cuba, Missouri
10-17-15 On October 16th, renowned author and archeologist, Jim Duncan came to Cuba, Missouri to share his knowledge on the Osage Nation. There was a great turn out at the event, with many people bring artifacts for Mr. Duncan to see. “Every artifact that I looked at was authentic,” said Mr. Duncan, “That doesn’t happen Read more about Jim Duncan came to Cuba, Missouri[…]