The rock formation is approximately 1450 million years old. Based on notes and writings of three individuals who traveled with a band of Spanish
Conquistadors and explorers, the first Europeans to see the Arcadia Valley and Pilot Knob would have been
Hernando DeSoto and his army as it crossed Missouri in September 1541. Specifically, the date being September 7. They reportedly crossed some mountains and came into the region where Ironton is now located. There they found a good salt spring for making of salt cakes. The next day the army's stragglers caught up to the main body where Pilot Knob is now located. The following day de Soto's band departed the area, moving towards present day
Lesterville. By 1800 members of the
Algonquian peoples of
Native Americans had moved into the area with a village of the
Delaware Tribe established at the base of Pilot Knob. This village existed as late as 1819. In the late 1830s during the infamous forced relocation march named the
Trail of Tears the Cherokee Tribe came through the valley. In the early 20th century
Easter sunrise services were held on the top of Pilot Knob. ==References==