Sugarloaf Mound, Native American tumulus in St. Louis, United States.
Sugarloaf Mound is an earthen structure built by indigenous peoples centuries ago in downtown St. Louis. The mound rises approximately 40 feet (12 meters) tall and spans about 100 feet (30 meters) from north to south, positioned near the river's edge.
The mound was built between 600 and 1300 AD and remains the last surviving example of about 40 similar structures that once dotted the St. Louis landscape. Its survival tells the story of indigenous occupation long before European settlement arrived.
The mound held sacred meaning for the indigenous peoples who built it and served as a gathering place for ceremonies and spiritual practices. Its presence shaped how communities understood their relationship to the land and river.
The site is challenging to navigate due to uneven ground and dense vegetation covering the mound's surface. Visiting during daytime and arriving with prior research or a guide helps you get the most from the visit.
The mound served as a survey landmark when the city was officially incorporated in 1809, helping surveyors map out the growing settlement. This practical function meant it played an active role in shaping how the city expanded and took form.
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