The Osage were one of the dominant tribes in the region, known for their hunting prowess and strategic alliances. They controlled a vast territory that included present-day Missouri, Kansas, and parts of Arkansas and Oklahoma. The Osage were skilled traders, exchanging goods with neighboring tribes and European settlers.

The Missouria, from whom the state of Missouri derives its name, were a Siouan-speaking people who once inhabited the Missouri River valley. They lived in villages along the riverbanks, relying on farming, fishing, and hunting for sustenance. The Missouria were known for their craftsmanship, particularly in pottery and basketry.

The Illiniwek, or Illinois Confederacy, were a group of Algonquian-speaking tribes that inhabited the region east of the Mississippi River. They were composed of several tribes, including the Kaskaskia, Cahokia, Tamaroa, and Peoria. The Illiniwek were skilled agriculturalists, cultivating crops such as corn, beans, and squash in the fertile river valleys.

These Native American tribes played a significant role in the history and culture of the St. Louis area, leaving behind a rich legacy that is still celebrated and honored today. Their influence can be seen in place names, archaeological sites, and the traditions of the region's diverse communities.