Arrow Rock, MO
Population: 58
As the United States grew in size over its history, Arrow Rock became the Western Frontier at one point. The Missouri River ran right up against it and served as a great source of trade and travel. Thousands flocked to the area after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. It was second in size only to St. Louis within the Missouri Territory. The river receding, and the Civil War caused the decline of the town. Now it is a historical landmark, the first in Missouri, and its 58 residents take part in celebrating and maintaining the history of Arrow Rock.
The Swing of Things
The more you do things, the better you should get at them. So by the time I got to my last few towns I was feeling pretty confident and had a general plan for each town. Let me say that Arrow Rock, MO was unexpected. I did not expect to find the history and charm in this town of 58 out in the middle of nowhere, and shame on me for not realizing that by now.
Roger - Friends of Arrow Rock
Many of the buildings in Arrow Rock are not actually lived in. They are museums maintained by the Friends of Arrow Rock organization. Roger is one of its members, and he works at the museum shop and runs the tours throughout the day. He and his wife also runs the Peecher's Country Store next door.
My favorite part of Arrow Rock was seeing the artwork of George Caleb Bingham, who has a historical house in the town. There was also a film made about his life and art with the help of the town recently.
J. Huston Tavern - Deluxe Mac & Cheese Burger
The Tavern was built in 1834 and has survived the rise and fall of Arrow Rock. It has been serving meals to travelers since it opened, and is the longest continually running resaurant West of the Mississippi.
This was the best burger I had on the entire trip. It was the most unique as well. But I definitely want mac and cheese on a burger again.
Be sure to stop by the Mercantile Room for ice-cream after!
Lyceum Theatre - Tempe
An old Baptist church that was eventually abandoned and then converted into a theatre.
It grew in size and popularity over the years, and now hosts many Broadway performers and perfomances, seating 408.
Tempe, the woman at the Box Office, loves working at the theatre. Her husband perfomred in the theatre for many years, and its the reason they moved to the area.
Arrow Rock, MO
This is Arrow Rock Bluff, or what remains of it. If these trees weren't here you would be able to see that the Missouri River no longer runs up against the Bluff, and the distance between the two is now covered thick with trees. Roger says he sometimes drives the Tour Tram down here and sits while thinking what it must have looked like all those years ago. You can watch a historical video simulation in the museum run by the National Park, or look at the paintings done by George Caleb Bingham, but I bet they don't compare to the sight of the real thing.