St. Louis was known as “Mound City” for many years. This was due to the Indian mounds in the area. The largest, Big Mound, was destroyed beginning on this day. Along with it, untold amounts of Mississippian Cultural artifacts were destroyed also.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s  historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.