Arrow Rock State Historic Site re-creates 1850 election…

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 11, 2025 - Join us in the historic village of Arrow Rock to get a glimpse of 1850 Missouri! This three-day event will re-create the town's 1850 election, bringing to life the election paintings of George Caleb Bingham, a former Arrow Rock resident.

The event will begin with a torchlit parade on Friday night while the main activities will occur on Saturday, including debates and the election. These activities will not only showcase the history as shown in Bingham's paintings, but will also bring the festival atmosphere of mid-19th century elections to a 21st century audience.

This event is free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. The town's historic buildings will be open for free self-guided tours throughout the weekend.

Event schedule is as follows:

• Friday, Sept. 19:
  • 5-5:15 p.m. - Torchlit parade starting at the west end of Main Street.
  • 5-9 p.m. - Reenactment camps throughout the site.
• Saturday, Sept. 20:
  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Debates on the lawn of the J. Huston Tavern.
  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Reenactment of 1850 election on the steps of the courthouse.
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Reenactment camps throughout the site.
• Sunday, Sept. 21:
  • 10 a.m. to noon - Reenactment camps throughout the site.

Arrow Rock State Historic Site is located at 39521 Visitor Center Drive in Arrow Rock.

For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.