Farmland originally known as Sand Prairie, an area 13 miles long and 1 to 4 miles wide
between the CB&Q Railroad and the Mississippi River, became the Savanna Proving Ground
after Congress passed the Sundry Civil Act in 1917. It was intended to provide,
"Facilities for the Proof and Test of Field Artillery and Ammunition". Army operations
continued until the base closed in 2000.

Some of the area is now known as Lost Mound Wildlife Preserve,
cleanup of old ordnance has been underway for some years. A small
number of the buildings are being used by private companies for business
and storage but the majority are slated for demolition.