Near Sula in Ravalli County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
First Impressions
Friend or Foe?
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 11, 2018
1. First Impressions Marker
On September 4th, 1805, T chliska-e-mee (Three Eagles) the father of Chief Victor and grandfather of Chief Charlo, left camp to scout the area, fearing there might be some Indian enemies around intending to steal horses, as was done then very frequently.
He saw at a distance, a party of over twenty men, with two men on horses in front and many men walking and leading packhorses.
Three Eagles saw that they were not a war party, as they were traveling slowly with no effort at concealment.
Seeing that these men wore no blankets, the old Chief did not know what to think of them. It was the first time he had met men without blankets.
Upon their arrival, the Chief gave orders to bring the best robes for Captain Lewis and Captain Clark to sit on, and one for each man to use as a blanket.
“we Encamped with them & found them friendly but nothing but berries to eate a part of which they gave us, those Indians are well dressed with Skin Shirts & robes, they Stout & light complected more So than Common for Indians ... I was the first white man who ever wer on the waters of this river.” -- Captain William Clark
“the natives are light Complectioned decent looking people the
this page online
Erected by U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Montana Department of Transportation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 4, 1802.
Location. 45° 50.172′ N, 113° 58.786′ W. Marker is near Sula, Montana, in Ravalli County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 93 near East Fork Road (State Highway 472), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7060 US Highway 93, Sula MT 59871, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mountains on the Move (here, next to this marker); Survival (here, next to this marker); The Great Clearing (a few steps from this marker); Join the Voyage of Discovery (within shouting distance of this marker); Ross' Hole (about 300 feet away, measured
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 11, 2018
2. First Impressions Marker
This marker is on the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 192 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 22, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
