Hawken Classic brings nearly 1,000 visitors to see vintage rifles, relive Mountain Man era
The Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum in St. Charles hosted re-enactors, historic firearms and expert lectures about the early 1800s at the Hawkens Classic, May 17-19.
The third annual Hawken Classic brought muzzleloading rifle and history enthusiasts to the St. Charles riverfront just ahead of the 200th anniversary of the first J&S Hawken rifle, built in 1825. Based on its storied history, the Hawken rifle was recently selected to be the “Missouri Official State Rifle.” The rifle was a valued possession in the era of the mountain man, with fur traders and explorers paying a premium for the quality, reliable weapon.
“The early 1800s in the St. Louis region brought a huge growth in the fur trading industry, fueling the Lewis & Clark Expedition in 1803-5, the statehood of Missouri in 1821 and the success of the St. Louis workshop of the Hawkens in the 1820s,” said Robert Foster, executive director of the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum in St. Charles. “We’re delighted to see the era come to life with the historic encampment, rifle collections and historical presentations here.”
“In 1822 Samuel Hawken moved to St. Louis, and later partnered with his brother Jacob to design the famous rifle of the new frontier: the J&S Hawken,” said Bob Vogt, event organizer for the Gemmer Muzzle Loading Gun Club. “Today we have collectors and history buffs from across the U.S. gathering to celebrate the craftsmanship and legacy of the Hawken in a perfect historic setting.”
Mark your calendars now for the 200th Anniversary, coming to the Boat House May 16-18,2025!
