The Osage tribe, recognized as the "Children of the Middle Waters," holds a prestigious position as one of the most ancient Native American nations in the Midwest. They initially resided in the Ohio Valley, but later moved westward and established their settlement near the Osage River in what is now Missouri.

Known for their prowess in hunting and ability to form strategic partnerships, the Osage quickly became a powerful presence in the region. They were highly adept at agriculture, cultivating a variety of crops including corn, beans, and squash. The Osage also had a system of governance that involved a council of chiefs and a tribal police force referred to as the "Little Old Men." In the early 20th century, the Osage people faced a deeply unfortunate chapter in their history with the discovery of oil on their reservation and ultimately, a series of sinister crimes that would come to be known as the "Osage Reign of Terror." Members of the Osage Nation began to die under mysterious circumstances, and it soon became clear that these deaths were not accidents but cold-blooded murders orchestrated to gain control of the Osage wealth.

Following the discovery of oil on their tribal land many years ago, a large number of opportunistic individuals arrived in Osage territory with the intention of exploiting their resources and profiting from their significant oil wealth. The most calculating individuals would establish close relationships with their victims, gaining their trust through marriage or guardianship, only to exploit them financially and, in some cases, even participate in their untimely demise. The murders were the initial significant criminal investigation carried out by the U.S. government agency that later developed into the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

In the face of this terror, the Osage people showed remarkable resilience, they fought tirelessly for justice, even as the forces arrayed against them seemed insurmountable, resulting in their current status as a federally recognized tribe with a flourishing community. They continue to commemorate their culture through yearly events like the Osage Nation In-Lon-Schka dances, guaranteeing the transmission of their profound history and customs to forthcoming generations.