A Stop in Cuba

Cuba, MO is a charming small town on Rt. 66, southwest of St. Louis.

The roots of Route 66 go back to Indian tribes and their hunting trails. 

The Osage occupied what is now Kansas, Missouri, most of New Mexico and Illinois. 

They inhabited a bit of Arkansas and lands following the Ohio River to the east. 

This monument at the Cuba visitors center, depicts the Osage leaving their lands.  

Unlike many India tribes that were forced off their lands and into reservations,

The Osage were forced off their lands by a treaty,

but instead of being forced onto a reservation

they purchased land in a small corner of Oklahoma. 

They obtained mineral rights, discovered oil, 

and became the richest people, per capita, in the world at that time.

Regardless, I have always hated how Indians were, and are, treated.

But, that's another story!

Back to Cuba....

Cuba is also known for its murals. Currently there are 15 murals throughout town depicting events in Cuba's history. I find it fascinating to see how many towns have 'beautified' blank building faces with pretty, interesting murals. 

The one in Cuba that intrigued me the most was Al's station: 

Al was a business man in Cuba, and held the Mayoral seat from 1946-1958. 

He owned Al West Motor Company, sold tractors, and operated

this Standard Oil station. 

Although his station no longer stands, the town constructed a wall where his station stood, emulating the shape of his station, on which to paint this mural commemorating his efforts to improve Cuba.