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
