In 1829, the town of Arrow Rock was founded on the bluff above the ferry crossing. Its situation on the Missouri River and Santa Fe Trail meant that large numbers of travelers heading west passed through the town. In 1834, Joseph Huston, a native of Virginia, began construction of a two-story brick structure known today as the Old Tavern.

By 1860, Arrow Rock had become Saline County’s most important river port, with a population of more than 1,000. Nearly half that number were African-Americans. The stone gutters on Main Street, the Old Tavern and other early structures remain as a monument to the labor these immigrants from the upper South provided in building the town.

National Historic Landmark Village, State Historic Site, camping, bed & breakfasts, professional theatre, dining, shopping. Historic tours of 19th century Missouri River town on the Lewis & Clark and Santa Fe Trails. Children's Education Programs. Open Apr.-Oct. by advance reservation.

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