Three Forks in Gallatin County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Colter’s Run

The Second Marker

— The Headwaters of the Missouri 1808 —

Colter’s Run Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 14, 2016

1. Colter’s Run Marker

Inscription. The Headwaters Region was the setting for the legend of Colter’s Run 1808 In the fall of 1808 John Colter and John Potts, both former members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, were trapping on the Jefferson River. Angered by previous encounters with white men, a band of Blackfeet attacked the two trappers. Potts was killed. Colter was stripped and told to run for his life. Heading out across the plains, Colter outdistanced all but one of the pursuers. Nearly exhausted, Colter turned on the Indian, killing him. The trapper continued on to the river, where he hid under a snag. The Blackfeet searched for him but finally gave up at darkness. Colter emerged and headed for the trapper’s fort on the Big Horn River, a journey he made in seven days.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 45° 53.802′ N, 111° 33.088′ W. Marker is in Three Forks, Montana, in Gallatin County. Marker is at the intersection of North Main Street (State Highway 2) and Cottonwood Street, on the right when traveling south on North Main Street. Marker is located in a Visitors Information Center, there are multiple markers at this site. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 North Main Street, Three Forks MT 59752, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Native Americans (a few steps from this marker); European Interest in the Missouri (a few steps from this marker); Fur Trade (a few steps from this marker); Louisiana Purchase - 1803 (a few steps from this marker); Lewis & Clark Arrive at the Headwaters July, 1805 (a few steps from this marker); The Fur Trapper (a few steps from this marker); Colter's Run 1808 (a few steps from this marker); Three Forks Post - 1810 (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Three Forks.

Additional keywords. Lewis and Clark Expedition

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 14, 2016

2. Colter’s Run Marker

Full view of marker, with map of the event, and drawing of Colter and Potts being captured.

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 13, 2016

3. Colter’s Run Marker

The Visitors Information Center, from Cottonwood and Main. The marker is to the far left

Credits. This page was last revised on October 7, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 550 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 6, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.