Arrow Rock State Historic Site invites the public to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, September 1. The Santa Fe Trail went through Arrow Rock, and local residents remained active in the Santa Fe trade up to the beginning of the Civil War.
According to Missouri State Parks, events begin at the site of Old Franklin, Kingsbury Siding Trailhead of the Katy Trail, in south Howard County at 9 a.m. with addresses by Santa Fe Trail Association President Larry Short and Executive Director Joanne VanCoevern, and a living history presentation by R.S. Hart as William Becknell, the “father” of the Santa Fe Trail.
Officials say a series of lectures will be held at the Arrow Rock State Historic Site Visitor Center, located at 39521 Visitor Center Drive in Arrow Rock. The agenda includes:
- 10:30 a.m. – Rich Lawson discusses the earliest Arrow Rock ferry landing followed by a tour of the site.
- 11:30 a.m. – Superintendent Mike Dickey discusses the impact of the Santa Fe Trail on Native American cultures.
- 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. – Lunch at the J. Huston Tavern; reservations are required and can be made by calling (660) 837-3200.
- 1 p.m. – Superintendent Mike Dickey discusses the impact of the Santa Fe Trail on Native American cultures (repeat program).
- 2:30 p.m. – Presentations by:
- Craig Crease – “Will the Real William Becknell Please Step Forward?”
- Rich Lawson – “Updates on Developments and Improvements at the Arrow Rock Ferry Landing”
- Dorris Keeven-Franke – “The Boone’s Lick Road”
The lectures are free to the public, and the public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others.
For more information about the event, please contact Arrow Rock State Historic Site at (660) 837-3330.