Sappington Cemetery State Historic Site
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Missouri History — Historic cemetery near Arrow Rock — burial site of the Sappington family, including Dr. John Sappington who pioneered the use of quinine to treat malaria on the frontier, saving thousands of lives!
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Missouri |
| Entry Fee | Free admission! |
About Sappington Cemetery
Sappington Cemetery State Historic Site in Saline County preserves the burial ground of the Sappington family — prominent early Missouri settlers. Dr. John Sappington was famous for promoting quinine as a malaria treatment in the 1830s, when “the shakes” killed thousands of frontier settlers each year. He manufactured quinine pills and sold them across the Mississippi Valley, saving countless lives. The cemetery includes graves of several Missouri governors.
Things to Do
Visiting the historic cemetery, learning about Dr. Sappington’s quinine revolution, viewing the graves of Missouri governors and frontier notables, and reflecting on the health challenges of frontier life.
Visiting Today
The shaded cemetery on the bluffs above the Missouri River includes graves of three Missouri governors and the tombstone of Dr. John Sappington — the quinine pioneer who saved thousands from malaria. Interpretive panels tell the Sappington family story. A quiet, contemplative stop in Arrow Rock country.
Getting There
Located near Arrow Rock in Saline County, via Highway 41. Arrow Rock itself is a National Historic Landmark village — Missouri’s most intact 19th-century settlement. The Lyceum Theatre offers professional summer stock theater. Combine with Arrow Rock State Historic Site for a full day of Missouri frontier heritage.
Insider Tips
Pioneer family: The Sappington Cemetery holds the graves of the Sappington family — prominent early Missouri settlers. Pro tip: Dr. John Sappington was a pioneer in malaria treatment — he was among the first American doctors to use quinine, saving thousands of lives on the malarial frontier. Frontier medicine: Malaria killed more frontier settlers than any other disease — the Missouri and Mississippi river bottoms were notorious “fever swamps.”
Best Time to Visit
Spring/fall: Comfortable visiting weather. Year-round: Always accessible. Memorial Day: Historical context. Summer: Full daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was malaria common in Missouri?
Malaria was endemic in Missouri through the 1800s — the Mississippi and Missouri river bottomlands bred enormous mosquito populations. “Ague” (malarial fever) was so common that frontier families expected it. Dr. John Sappington of Arrow Rock sold quinine pills across the frontier — his “Anti-Fever Pills” saved thousands. Malaria wasn’t eliminated from Missouri until the 1930s through drainage and mosquito control.
