Some of Missouri’s most important towns are now its smallest. Arrow Rock, Missouri is one of those tiny, isolated villages filled with important historical structures that help define Missouri in America’s story of westward expansion. Only 16 families still reside in Arrow Rock, yet this tiny village is well worth a visit. Whether you’re a history buff, and antique collector, or just a lover of quaint small towns Arrow Rock is a perfect day trip destination.
Arrow Rock is a tiny village located in Saline County near the Missouri River. This tiny village is home to 56 people but is packed with important American history.
Google Maps
Take the long and lonesome country road into Arrow Rock, Missouri’s first historic site.
Scott Granneman/Flickr
The town was founded in June 1829 however, the name Arrow Rock was not bestowed upon the town officially until 1833.
The Village Of Arrow Rock/Facebook
In 1959, the Friends of Arrow Rock society was esablished and worked to preserve many of the historical buildings and homes in the village.
The Village Of Arrow Rock/Flickr
The Masonic Lodge Hall was one structure preserved by the Friends of Arrow Rock. The lodge was established in 1868 and today lodge members sell crafts and antiques on the lower level of the building.
Friends of Arrow Rock/Facebook
The John P. Sites Gun Shop was also preserved by the Friends of Arrow Rock. The gun shop was built in 1866, likely after Mr. Sites’ first shop was destroyed by guerrilla fighters during the Civil War.
The Village Of Arrow Rock/Facebook Sites’ gun shop is the only known functioning restoration of a 19th-century gunsmith’s shop in the United States still in its original location.
This log cabin originally sat outside of town but was moved to its current location to insure that the building was preserved.
Friends of Arrow Rock/Flickr
One of the most notable landmarks in Arrow Rock is the J. Huston Tavern. The tavern is one of the towns originally buildings and was constructed in 1834.
The Village Of Arrow Rock/Facebook The tavern provided overnight accommodations for westward travelers and was an official town meeting hall until other structures were built in Arrow Rock.
The J. Huston Tavern is the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi and is today operated by the state parks system.
The Village Of Arrow Rock/Facebook
One of the quirky historical buildings is the Arrow Rock jail. This tiny holding cell was constructed after the original log cabin jail was burned by arsonists.
Scott Granneman/Flickr
Arrow Rock is a beautiful village filled with important history. Just a short distance from Interstate 70 makes it the perfect destination for a day trip.
Scott Granneman/Flickr Find the Arrow Rock visitors center at 39521 Visitor Center Drive, Arrow Rock.
Have you visited Arrow Rock? Tell us about your trip in the comments below.
Google Maps
Scott Granneman/Flickr
The Village Of Arrow Rock/Facebook
The Village Of Arrow Rock/Flickr
Friends of Arrow Rock/Facebook
Sites’ gun shop is the only known functioning restoration of a 19th-century gunsmith’s shop in the United States still in its original location.
Friends of Arrow Rock/Flickr
The tavern provided overnight accommodations for westward travelers and was an official town meeting hall until other structures were built in Arrow Rock.
Find the Arrow Rock visitors center at 39521 Visitor Center Drive, Arrow Rock.
Read more about the J. Huston Tavern and start planning for your trip to Arrow Rock today!
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