Experience our dynamic culture and observe the unwavering determination of our community. The Osage people have established their roots in this land for over a century and a half. Our people have embraced resilience and experienced remarkable growth. As a flourishing Nation, our primary goals are to preserve our rich heritage, revive our language, and actively engage in community initiatives. We welcome you to the Osage Nation Reservation and invite you to learn about our history and culture.

Our Osage ancestors controlled millions of acres in what is now known as Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma before the existence of the United States. Their lives changed drastically after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. At that time, the United States Government claimed ownership of Osage land, leading to a period of forced displacement and land loss.

By 1864, our ancestors had been removed to a reservation of fertile land in southeastern Kansas known as the Osage Diminished Reserve. However, as a result of railroad expansion, “Manifest Destiny,” and the want of white “pioneers” to settle on our lands, our ancestors were once again forced to leave their lands. By an Act of Congress on July 15, 1870, our ancestors would be forced to sell our land in Kansas to the U.S. government for $1.25 an acre.

President Grant authorized our removal to a new home in Indian Territory, now present-day Oklahoma. These series of removals were hard on our people, and by the time we reached Indian Territory, we had lost up to 95% of our population from starvation, disease, and other factors. We had also lost up to 90% of our former homelands. With the proceeds of the sale of lands in Kansas, our leaders were able to purchase land from the Cherokee Nation in the northeast part of Oklahoma, which we call home today.

The Osage Nation Reservation is also referred to as Osage County, which is currently the largest county in Oklahoma, with approximately 1,470,938 acres or 2,298 sq. miles. By 1872, the Osage Nation Reservation was established, and grazing became essential to the economy.

In 1894, crude oil would be found on our reservation. When our land was allotted as an act of assimilation in 1906, our leaders negotiated with the United States government to maintain control of the subsurface mineral estate in perpetuity. By the 1920s, oil production was soaring, and our people experienced what is known as the “Osage Reign of Terror” as, once again, non-native individuals sought our land and our wealth and would do anything, including murder, to achieve it.  

Our history is full of hardship and sorrow but also determination and resilience. Over 2,000 Osage individuals made it to the Osage Nation Reservation in 1872; today, our Nation’s population is over 25,000 strong, with 4,467 individuals living in Osage County on the Osage Nation Reservation. We honor our ancestors and remember their physical, mental, and spiritual strength as we move forward through the 21st century. We encourage the education of our people through Osage-run schools, promote our culture and arts through our cultural departments, and fight for our sovereignty through the functions of our three-branch government system. We are Wahzhazhe. Still here. Still moving forward. A Nation to be proud of.

While visiting our home, we invite you to witness unparalleled views and awe-inspiring sunsets, immerse yourself in history and art at the Osage Nation Museum, and encounter majestic American bison on the Osage Nation Ranch. Additionally, you can stay, eat, try your luck at any Osage Casinos, and explore the many offerings at the Osage Nation Visitor’s Center. These are just a few examples of the many exciting experiences that await you on the Osage Nation Reservation. We invite you to explore the land we have called home since 1872.

The following websites offer some great information on places to see and things to do when you visit: