Last updated: January 24, 2023
Place
Santa Fe Spring
Photo/Larry Short
Quick Facts
Location:
In Arrow Rock State Historic Site, just south of Arrow Rock village, Saline County. The spring is accessed via a walking trail.
Significance:
Early water source for travelers headed for Santa Fe
Designation:
Included in the Arrow Rock National Historic Landmark; Part of Arrow Rock State Historic Site; Certified Site
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
2 listed
Picnic Shelter/Pavilion, Trailhead/Hiker Register
A map of Passport and Places to Go locations for National Historic Trails.
When William Becknell and his crew set out on their now-famous trek on the Santa Fe Trail in 1821, they departed from Franklin, MO (now Old Franklin). Travelling West from Franklin meant crossing the mighty Missouri River. The ferry at Arrow Rock was a convenient method for crossing, making the “Rock of the Arrows” an important landmark. Travelers like Becknell who used the ferry would then climb up the bluff and fill their water stores at the Santa Fe Spring. Also known as Big Spring and Arrow Rock Spring, the spring was a quality source of water for travelers heading West.
In 1829 after the town of Arrow Rock was started (originally called New Philadelphia), Burton Lawless granted free use of the spring, which was on his land, to the newly established town. In the 1930’s WPA workers built recreational amenities in the area including picnic tables, a bridge, a swimming pool, and a wooden canopy over the Santa Fe Spring.
Site Information
Location (In Arrow Rock State Historic Site, just south of Arrow Rock village, Saline County. The spring is accessed via a walking trail.)
Available Facilities
The Santa Fe Spring is in a protected natural area that is heavily wooded and lush during Spring and Summer. There is a wooden bridge crossing the spring and a stone bench. A concrete spring house designed to direct the spring’s flow is situated on one side of the natural spring bed. A wooden canopy is situated over the spring house.