Last updated: May 7, 2025
Place
Stark's Crossing at Gasconade Hills Resort
Photo/Sheila R. Cook
Quick Facts
Location:
28425 Spring Rd. Richland, Missouri
Significance:
Stark's Crossing was a well-known river ford for detachments traveling on the Northern Route of the Trail of Tears.
Designation:
Certified Site
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
3 listed
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.
Site Information
Location (28425 Spring Rd. Richland, Missouri)
Access
Visitors must be guests or acquire a day pass