lewis and clark corps of discovery members

#Lewis and clark corps of discovery members series#

Native peoples used this site for at least two thousand years prior to Lewis and Clark's expedition through Montana. Though not actually part of the Lewis and Clark route, Lewis described in great detail these buffalo kills, and First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park gives visitors a way to 'see' what Lewis described in his journal. Visit First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park to see what is believed to be one of the longest buffalo kill sites in the United States. The BLM has interpretive signs at Decision Point on the ridge above the Missouri. In the end, it was exploration that decided the matter, and Lewis was proved right.ĭecision Point Overlook is located 11 miles north of Fort Benton on US 87. He felt that the clearer waters of the westward river must move through the high mountains. Lewis finally reasoned that the thick, dark waters of the Marias traveled too much to the north to be the Missouri. Lewis climbed to what is now called Decision Point Overlook for a better view of the surrounding land, in hopes of finding the right route. Its wide, powerful nature in high water made it seem as likely a main river as the Missouri arm. The waterway was especially confusing because of its size. The instructions they had gotten from the Mandan tribe in North Dakota made no mention of the river. In June 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition spent nine days at the Marias River, trying to determine whether or not the Marias was a main stem of the Missouri they correctly concluded that it was not. It was near Great Falls that Lewis identified the cutthroat trout (Montana's state fish), the western meadowlark (Montana's state bird), and the broadleaf cottonwood. Additional sites, primarily camp sites, are located both upstream and further downstream. Don't forget to visit Broadwater Overlook Park where the Visitors Center is located.ĭesignated Lewis and Clark sites in the Great Falls area include four camp sites, five waterfalls, Giant Springs, the location where Lewis was chased into the river by a grizzly, Sulphur Springs and the portage route used by the expedition. Relive the Corps of Discovery's epic journey at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center along the River's Edge Trail, an essential stop for visitors here.Īlong the same stretch of the River's Edge Trail, Giant Springs Heritage State Park can be reached, as well as overlooks for Black Eagle and Rainbow Falls. It offers a unique experience to walk, jog, rollerblade or bike along the river.

Several of the waterfalls may be viewed via the paved, non-motorized River's Edge Trail. In 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition spent nearly a month portaging the falls.

#Lewis and clark corps of discovery members series#

Located on the Missouri River near a series of five waterfalls, Great Falls is the largest city in northcentral Montana. Furthermore, it marks the first meeting and conflict between any representative of the American government and the Blackfeet Indians. This struggle on July 27, 1806, was the only violent conflict between the Corps of Discovery and American Indians and resulted in the only two Indian casualties of the Expedition. This struggle also ended in the death of a Piegan at the hands of Lewis, who was almost shot. The men quickly chased the Indians and recovered their guns, but in the struggle one of the Piegans were stabbed and killed. The next morning Lewis awoke to the shouts of his men.

Lewis and his men, unaware of the Piegans fear of their plans, settled down to sleep.

Lewis informed them that not only did he organize the worst enemies of the Blackfeet-the Nez Perce, the Shoshones and othershe intended to supply them with weapons. This was upsetting news to the Blackfeet Indians. Lewis explained that he had mediated peace between warring Indian nations on either side of the mountains. There they encountered eight members of a Blackfeet tribe known as the Piegans. On July 26, 1806, Captain Lewis and members of the Expedition left Camp Disappointment and traveled down the Marias River. This marks the only hostile encounter with Indians experienced by the Corps of Discovery on their long journey. The Two Medicine Fight Site historic marker is near the junction of US Highway 89 and MT Highway 44. ChesterĮighteen miles south of Chester on Montana Secondary Road 66, are four interpretive signs detailing Meriwether Lewis 18 trips through this area. This was the end of the Great Plains and transition to the unknown Rocky Mountain terrain. Tower Rock is located on the west side of the Missouri River, approximately eight miles south of Cascade, exit 247 off I-15.