Near Cardwell in Jefferson County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Lean Times Ahead

Indians and Game both Scarce

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 13, 2019

1. Lean Times Ahead Marker

Inscription. Today as you travel in Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park you are likely to see mule deer, signs of elk and perhaps a black bear. This terrain was suitable for wildlife but when Lewis and Clark passed here in 1805 and 1806, these potential food sources were scarce.
The day before the Corps of Discovery reached this point Lewis wrote that the lack of game was a problem.
Luckily as they traveled here Clark obtained a bighorn sheep by the river and Lewis and Drouillard shot some elk in the hills during a search for the Shoshone Indians. The lack of large game became a theme during the expedition's attempt to cross the continental divide. It was one of many hardships the Corps faced as they entered the mountains.

"nothing killed today and our fresh meat is out. When we have a plenty of fresh meat I find it impossible to make the men take any care of it, or use it with the least frugality. Tho' I expect that necessity will shortly teach them this art." Meriwether Lewis - July 31st 1805

Erected by Montana State Parks.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals •

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Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 31, 1805.

Location. 45° 50.298′ N, 111° 52.037′ W. Marker is near Cardwell, Montana, in Jefferson County. It is on State Highway 2. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1455 Montana Highway 2, Cardwell MT 59721, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Montana, in Gold West Country, in Mining Country and in Greater Helena.

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 5 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Bighorns no More? (a few steps from this marker); Lewis and Clark Caverns Entrance Building (approx. 1.3 miles away); LaHood Park (approx. 2.8 miles away); Lewis & Clark Expedition (approx. 2.8 miles away); Welcome to Parker Homestead State Park

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 13, 2019

2. Lean Times Ahead Marker

(approx. 9.2 miles away).

More about this marker. This marker is located in Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park near the entrance to the caverns.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 336 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 26, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.