The Hawken History Classic

Hawken History Recreated

With Pleasure, the NMLRA is proud to announce the establishment of the Hawken History Classic in St. Louis, MO. St. Louis is the home of Jake and Sam Hawken, as well as the famous Hawken Rifle, to celebrate their 200th anniversary we will be organizing these annual gathers each fall from 2021-2025.

These events will be an experience never seen before, focusing on Hawken History, education, and living history. We have partnered with The Hawken Shop as well as the Gemmer Muzzleloading Club to include a variety of Hawken Shooting Sports activities.

Hawken Classic 2024

Date: May 17-19, 2024

Time: Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday Noon – 5pm

Vendor and Rendezvous Camp setup: Wednesday and Thursday, May 15-16, 2024 at 8am and take down must be completed by Monday, May 20, 2024 at 5pm.

Location: The Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum. 1050 S Riverside Dr, St Charles, MO 63301

The Hawken Classic is a NMLRA event with the goal of increased education about the history of the iconic Hawken rifle in America’s history.

Cost for Participants: Click here for the form to register.

  • Period Camp: $15 (up to 2 people, $5 for extra people)

  • Trade Blanket: $10

  • Vendor: $40 (up to 2 people, $5 for extra people)

  • 20# bags of ice available for $5

Museum access has been made free due to generous donations from the National Muzzle Loading Rilfe Association and Gemmer Muzzleloading Gun Club.

Note: Some fees may be waived for approved participants that are seminar presenters, volunteers, demonstrators of primitive skills, and others that make a significant contribution to the event. Ask when registering if you qualify.

Purpose: The 200th anniversary of the J&S Hawken rifle is the Summer of 2025. Our plan is to hold the Hawken Classic each year from 2022-2025 to celebrate this event. The Hawken brothers are the first well-known sporting arms makers in the United States. Jacob and Samuel Hawken built these rifles out of the St. Louis Hawken Shop from the 1820s to the 1850s.

For up to date information please check out Gemmer Muzzleloading Club by clicking here.

Activities will include:

  • Incredible collection of original and contemporary Missouri rifles on display.

  • Knowledgeable guest speakers on the history of the Hawken rifle and related subjects.

  • Living history camps in period correct attire.

  • Vendors – including The Hawken Shop, Trail Creek Trade Company, and many more…

  • Artist and craftsmen demonstrating weaving, forging, fire starting, powder horns, leather work and more.

  • Opportunity to shoot black powder from an original Hawken rifle owned by Greg Roberts.

  • See many period correct guns, accoutrements and enjoy the living history.

  • Test your skills at traditional archery, hawk and knife throw, and fire starting.

  • Come learn how Lewis and Clark and the Hawken Rifle impacted America’s history.

  • The event will be free to the public. To enter the museum there is a fee of $7 per adult and $3 per child. The Hawken rifle displays will be in the museum.

Event Sponsors

If you are interested in being a part of this event, please contact Amber at the NMLRA Office 812-667-5131 or by email amay@nmlra.org.