Symposium 2011 - September 2011 -- Dodge City, KS.
2009 SYMPOSIUM ARROW ROCK / BOONVILLE SEPTEMBER 24-27
"In the Beginning To the Boonslick and Beyond"
by Mike Dickey, Coordinator
You are all cordially invited to Arrow Rock. This year's symposium will focus on the beginning of the Trail in the central Missouri region historically known as the "Boonslick Country." We will explore the early history and background of the people who made the Santa Fe trade a reality. The planning committee wants this to be an informative symposium, but a leisurely one where you can "kick back" in true Missouri fashion should you so desire. There will be a shuttle bus service around Arrow Rock if you decide you're not up to walking our hills. If you were at the 1991 symposium in Arrow Rock, suffice it to say things have changed a bit in the last 18 years. You will find visiting a new experience.
Thursday 24 SFTA Board Meeting Take a tour around the village of Arrow Rock. Hike on the trails down to the Missouri River on the Big Muddy
National Fish & Wildlife Refuge. An evening reception will be held at Prairie Park, three miles west of Arrow Rock. William B. Sappington built this 31/2 story antebellum mansion in 1843. Sappington, his brother Darwin, and brotherinlaw Meredith Miles Marmaduke were actively involved in the Santa Fe trade until 1830.
Friday 25 Morning speaker's sessions held in the renowned Arrow Rock Lyceum Theater. Bus tours will begin at noon of historic sites in the "cradle of the Santa Fe trade," Howard, Cooper, and Saline counties. Stops will include Old Franklin, Boonslick State Historic Site, Weinrich ruts, and the Grand Pass ruts.
The evening banquet will be held at historic Turner Hall in downtown Boonville. Following we will move across the street to the historic Thespian Hall for a musical "reading" by theater historian Mary Barile and renowned folk musicians Dave and Kathy Para.
Saturday 26 Morning speaker's sessions at the Lyceum followed by bus tours. The evening banquet will be a "picnic on the Tavern lawn," an Arrow Rock tradition for more than 35 years.
Sunday 27 Breakfast on the Arrow Rock bluff above the original ferrylanding site. If you're heading home to the west we encourage you to stop and visit Lexington.
The committee is mindful of the economic situation and the potential for gasoline prices to increase without warning, and they are planning accordingly. We anticipate registration and meal costs to remain comparable to previous symposiums. Stay tuned for more details and registration forms.
Meanwhile, get the dates on your calendar and make room reservations soon. Click here for a list of accommodations is attached. For current Arrow Rock information visit www.arrowrock.org and www.mostateparks.com.
We hope to see you at Arrow Rock in September for a Santa Fe Trail experience you will remember. Join us to celebrate our theme, "In the BeginningTo the Boonslick and Beyond."
