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Stroll through the history of a once-bustling river town that’s now the serene village of Arrow Rock. You’ll walk streets lined with the architecture of the historic “Boone’s Lick Country” at Arrow Rock State Historic Site. You may wander into the historic J. Huston Tavern, which dates back to 1834. It provides a dining experience in the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River. View displays of historic furnishings in the old kitchen and upstairs bedrooms. You can visit other historic buildings, such as the Old Courthouse and George Caleb Bingham’s house. You can learn about the history of Arrow Rock and the “Boone’s Lick Country.” This is done through exhibits and audio-visual presentations in the visitor center. The historic site is part of the larger Village of Arrow Rock. The village features quaint stores, as well as, several antique shops.
ROCK OF ARROWS
From the earliest days, the Arrow Rock bluffs were a well-known landmark on the Missouri River. Visible for many miles, they first appeared on a French map in 1732. They were noted as “pierre á fleche” — the “rock of arrows.” The origin of this name was first explained in 1819. “Arrow Rock is so-called from its having been formerly used by neighboring Indians. The rock provided the stone needed to point their arrows.”
The entire town of Arrow Rock was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964. A portion of the town is also preserved as Arrow Rock State Historic Site. The creation of the state historic site resulted from two groups. The National Old Trails Road Association, and later, the Daughters of the American Revolution. This was due to their efforts to preserve the “Old Tavern.” In 1912, a room was set aside for exhibits “as a means of teaching Missouri history to the passerby.” Now, Missouri State Parks operates the historic site, which features several historic buildings and a modern visitor center. The visitor center contains artifacts and exhibits. These portray the history of the town and the Boone’s Lick Country.
LANDMARK
A landmark of hospitality for over a century, the J. Huston Tavern was begun by Joseph Huston in 1834. As the owners changed, the tavern went through a progression of names. These included, Neill House and Arrow Rock Hotel, as well as, Scripture House, City Hotel and finally the Old Tavern. A tour of the handsome federal-style brick building reveals its evolution. Beginning from a simple four-room structure, it is now the more elaborate tavern we see today. The J. Huston Tavern continues to offer an interesting and unique dining experience in a period setting.
The home of 19th-century artist George Caleb Bingham is managed by the state historic site. It received its own designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1966. There are several other buildings operated by the historic site. These include the old courthouse and the Academy Boarding House, as well as, the Dr. Mathew Hall House and a stone jail known as “the calaboose.”
The town also offers many antique and gift shops. Bed and breakfasts, and several restaurants in addition to the J. Huston Tavern are also available. The renowned Arrow Rock Lyceum Theater presents professional repertory productions in the summer and fall. The historic site also features a modern campground for a good night’s sleep after a day of touring the historic site and town.
PARK HOURS & FEES
Contact Park
PARK PHONE
660-837-3330
PARK ADDRESS
39521 Visitor Center Drive
Arrow Rock, MO 65320-0001
For more information about this state park click HERE.
Have you visited this state historic site? If so, please leave a comment. Thanks.
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