Place

Stark's Crossing at Gasconade Hills Resort

A rocky river beach leads into a still river, lined with heavy forest. — Visit Stark's Crossing on the Trail of Tears NHT.
Photo/Sheila R. Cook

Beach/Water Access, Picnic Shelter/Pavilion, Playground

The historic Gasconade Hills Resort is located on the alignment of the northern branch of the Trail of Tears NHT. According to historical research, the resort contains the location of Stark's Crossing, where detachments on the Northern Route crossed the Gasconade River. By the time of the Trail of Tears, Stark’s was a well-known crossing. The Crossing is mentioned by name in the diary of physician W.I.I. Morrow, who, in 1839, led a group of Cherokee along the northern route of the NHT, the same first travelled by B.B. Cannon and 347 Cherokee in 1837. On March 6th, 1839. Morrow recorded the following: 'Traveled 14 miles to the Gasconade River at Stark’s, through a barren & sterile country.'

Historic maps indicate that the river ford (Stark’s Crossing) roughly aligns with the location of the resort’s canoe landing.