The town first gained local government with the Municipality of Broad Arrow in 1897. A dam was built for the Public Works Department in Broad Arrow in 1897. The origins of the broad arrow device used by the Board of Ordnance are debated. Colonists didn't care, and often disregarded the Broad Arrow mark. The broad arrow markings were used until 1922. The broad arrow mark was also used on survey markers. His mine was also named "Broad Arrow". The portion of the charter quickly became known as the King's Broad Arrow. Broad arrow marks were also used by Commonwealth countries on their ordnance. Broad Arrow Jack is a penny dreadful written by E. Harcourt Burrage in 1866. The broad arrow was the Board's mark, used as such from the 17th century.