In the heart of the rugged frontier, nestled along the banks of the Missouri River, the village of Arrow Rock stood as a beacon of civilization amid the untamed wilderness of the early 19th century. It was here, in the year 1844, that John Sites, a master gunsmith renowned for his skill and innovation, plied his trade amidst the backdrop of the American frontier.
Born into a family of gunsmiths in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, John Sites learned the art of crafting firearms from his father, John Sites, Sr., a skilled craftsman who had honed his trade during the period after the Revolutionary War. Raised with a deep respect for firearms and their significance on the frontier, John developed a passion for creating weapons that were not only functional but also works of art.
The first of three gunsmith shops in Arrow Rock was a modest yet sturdy frame building nestled just east of the Tavern. Here John Sites dedicated himself to the meticulous craft of gunsmithing as a fully trained master gunsmith. The cabin itself bore the marks of frontier life—rough-hewn beams, a gunsmith’s forge that doubled as a source of heat during the harsh Missouri winters, and windows patched with animal hide to keep out the biting wind.
Inside the workshop, the air was thick with the scent of burning wood, oil, and the faint tang of metal. Sunlight filtered through small, dust-coated windows, casting long shadows across workbenches cluttered with tools—hammers, chisels, rasps, and the ever-present forge where John would carefully heat and shape metal into barrels and triggers with a steady hand and a keen eye.
John Sites was not just a gunsmith; he was an innovator. While he revered the traditions of his craft, he was always experimenting with new designs and materials, seeking to improve the performance and reliability of his firearms. His rifles were prized for their accuracy and durability, crafted with a blend of traditional methods passed down through generations and his own ingenuity.
One of John’s most famous innovations was the “Sites Rifle,” a sturdy long rifle renowned for its precision and striking appearance. Each rifle bore John’s distinctive mark—on the top of its octagonal barrel was stamped J.P. Sites, a beautifully carved stock, often adorned with intricate patterns and motifs inspired by the natural world of the frontier, and by de sign patterns passed down through of least five generations of Sites family gunsmiths. John Sites used a process called “blueing” to dull the surface on his gun barrels. This was intended to prevent any chance of the sun reflecting light to the intended prey.
Beyond his technical prowess, John Sites was known for his strong principles and unwavering integrity. He refused to sell his firearms to just anyone who walked through his door, taking the time to know each customer personally. He believed deeply in the responsible use of firearms, often counseling young hunters and settlers on the importance of safety and respect for the land.
Outside his workshop, John led a simple life typical of frontier settlers. He was married to Nancy Toole. He was 21, she was 16. Together they carved out a life in Arrow Rock and contributed to the community in their own quiet way.
The village of Arrow Rock itself was a bustling hub of frontier activity—a melting pot of traders, settlers, and Native American tribes coming together against the backdrop of the Missouri River. John Sites’ reputation spread far and wide, drawing customers from across the frontier and even from distant cities like St. Louis and Independence.
As the years passed, John Sites’ legacy only grew stronger. His rifles became prized possessions, passed down through generations of families who cherished both the craftsmanship and the stories they carried. He became not just a skilled artisan but a symbol of the spirit of independence and self-reliance that defined the frontier.
In 1844, amid the rugged beauty of Arrow Rock and the vast expanse of the American West, John Sites continued to ply his trade with dedication and passion. His workshop remained a beacon of craftsmanship and innovation—a testament to the enduring legacy of one man’s skill and the timeless allure of the frontier.
Come and visit Arrow Rock where John Sites Gun Shop has been restored to its original craftsmanship. Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 am-4 pm, Come to the 1829 Shop on Main Street to arrange for a tour if the shop is not open.