Near Carmen in Lemhi County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
Lewis and Clark: Departure Camp
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 12, 2018
1. Lewis and Clark: Departure Camp Marker
Leading packhorses, the Lewis and Clark Expedition followed their Shoshone guide Toby up Tower Creek on August 31, 1805. The Indian road went northwest from here across the foothills to the North Fork of the Salmon.
Behind the Corps of Discovery was the Missouri River, the crossing of the Continental Divide, and a timely encounter with the Lemhi Shoshone.
Ahead lay three weeks of formidable mountain ranges, cold, snow, and starvation. On the first uphill pitch the next morning, one of the horses fell and rolled backward. It wasn't hurt, but what an ominous start this proved to be!
"we followed up this creek or Spring branch. found plenty of wild or choke cherries and Servis berrys. one of the hunters killed a deer at the edge of the evening." - Joseph Whitehorse, August 31, 1805
Erected by Lewis and Clark in Lemhi County.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 31, 1805.
Location. 45° 20.088′ N, 113° 52.53′ W. Marker is near Carmen, Idaho, in Lemhi County. Marker is on Tower Rock Road near Redtail Lane, on the left when
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. William Clark's "Pirimids" (here, next to this marker); Erle and Lula Embley's Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Tower Creek (approx. 1.6 miles away); The Bluff (approx. 2.1 miles away); William Clark's Campsite, August 21 and 25, 1805 (approx. 2.2 miles away); Tower Rock: William Clark's "Clift" (approx. 2.2 miles away); Historic Lemhi Co. (approx. 6.4 miles away); Fort Bonneville (approx. 6.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carmen.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 12, 2018
2. Lewis and Clark: Departure Camp Marker
Wm. Clark's "Pirimids" in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 225 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 23, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
