This Tiny, Isolated Missouri Village Is One Of The Last Of Its Kind
By Liz Oliver|Published October 01, 2017
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Liz Oliver
Author
Liz is a Missouri native with a B.A. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. in Non-Profit Administration from Lindenwood University. She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe!
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.
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.
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.
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 tavern provided overnight accommodations for westward travelers and was an official town meeting hall until other structures were built in Arrow Rock.
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The J. Huston Tavern is the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi and is today operated by the state parks system.
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.
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.
