Distant Features

Distant Features. . , Your observations are to be taken with great pains and accuracy, to be entered distinctly and intelligibly for others as well as yourself, to comprehend all the elements necessary , , President Thomas Jefferson , On August 13, 1805 William Clark took three compass readings from atop the rock before you. While looking out from this exposed limestone bluff he selected geographic landmarks as points on which to take bearings. His resulting maps became an important resource for future travelers. , The Corps of Discovery began their journey with no printed materials such as maps or reports to guide them through what is now Montana. In addition to the constant challenge of choosing which water route to take, they were also faced with deciding which of the countless land formations to plot and describe as they attempted to fulfill their mission. President Jefferson instructed Lewis to describe all features that could be positively identified by future travelers. , As you ascend Clark’s Lookout, observe the vastness of the surrounding area. When you reach the top, consider the view and decide which geological points you would include on a map. What features do you see that that would help others navigate through this terrain 200 hundred years from now? , Historic Landmarks like Clark’s Lookout State Park preserve places where we can connect with the past. While the surrounding area has obviously changed, the landmarks on which Clark took bearings that day remain as he saw them. , Point of the Beavers head hill hears N24 E. 12 Ms. The course of the Wisdom River N25 W. The Gap at the place the river passes thro' a mountain in advance is 18 w 10 Ms , , William Clark