Near Lolo in Missoula County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

The Journey Home

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 10, 2018

1. The Journey Home Marker

Inscription. "Capts. Lewis and Clark parted here with their parties & proceed on" Sergeant John Ordway, Thursday July 3, 1806

An often overlooked aspect of the Lewis and Clark Expedition is the decision to separate when they left Travelers' Rest on July 3, 1806. This decision was made months earlier during the winter at Fort Clatsop. During that time the captains had determined what they believed to be the shortest route across the continent with Travelers' Rest a crucial point.
By following the network of ancient routes that led to and from Travelers' Rest, the captains and their party were to split again and again - reuniting into new groups as they explored more of present day Montana with an eye toward completing the mission given them by President Jefferson.

Expedition 'Splits" on Their Journey Home
This map shows how the Expedition traveled as they made their way back to St. Louis. The first of many splits occurred when they left Travelers' Rest on July 3, 1806. On August 12, 1806, the two groups reunited near the the (sic) confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers and then proceeded on to St. Louis,

Erected by Montana

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State Parks, National Park Service, Travelers' Rest Preservation and Heritage Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson, and the Lewis & Clark Expedition series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is July 3, 1803.

Location. 46° 45.048′ N, 114° 5.31′ W. Marker is near Lolo, Montana, in Missoula County. It can be reached from Lolo Creek Road (U.S. 12) near U.S. 93, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6717 Lolo Creek Road, Lolo MT 59847, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Montana,

in Glacier Country,

and in Greater Missoula.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of

Expedition 'Splits" on Their Journey Home image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 10, 2018

2. Expedition 'Splits" on Their Journey Home

This map shows how the Expedition traveled as they made their way back to St. Louis. The first of many splits occurred when they left Travelers' Rest on July 3, 1806. On August 12, 1806, the two groups reunited near the the (sic) confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers and then proceeded on to St. Louis,

this marker, measured as the crow flies: Following Formation (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Uncovering the Expedition (about 500 feet away); Travellers Rest (about 700 feet away); A Crossroads of Culture (about 700 feet away); The Lolo Trail (approx. half a mile away); Lewis and Clark in Salish Territory (approx. 0.7 miles away); Bitterroot Valley, Homeland of the Selíš (approx. 0.7 miles away); Lewis and Clark on Lolo Creek (approx. 4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lolo.

More about this marker. his marker is located on the foot trail in Travelers' Rest State Park.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 10, 2018

3. The Journey Home Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 14, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 457 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 14, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.