Near Craig in Lewis and Clark County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Dearborn's River

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 13, 2019

1. Dearborn's River Marker

Inscription. " at the distance of 2 1/2 miles we passed the entrance of a considerable river on the Stard. side; about 80 yds. wide being nearly as wide as the Missouri at that place. it's current is rapid and water extremely transparent; the bed is formed of small smooth stones of flat rounded or other figures. it's bottoms are narrow but possess as much timber as the Missouri. the country is mountainous and broken through which it passes. it appears as if it might be navigated but to what extent must be conjectural. this handsome bold and clear stream we named in honour of the Secretary of war calling it Dearborn's river." Captain Meriwether Lewis, July 18, 1805

The Expedition's campsite for July 17, 1805 was near this area. After this camp, the entire group would not be able to camp together for some time. During the next part of their journey through present day Montana, the expedition divided and explored in different directions. Captain Lew went ahead of Captain Clark and his party. The expedition was looking for American Indian tribes to trade their canoes for horses because the navigable water was running out. On July 22, 1805, the two parties would reconnect (in the middle of present day Canyon Ferry Reservoir which is south of present day Helena, Montana).

Erected by Lewis and

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Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 18, 1805.

Location. 47° 7.848′ N, 111° 54.084′ W. Marker is near Craig, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. Marker is on Interstate 15 at milepost 240 near Bald Eagle Drive, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wolf Creek MT 59648, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Continuing the Journey (here, next to this marker); Michael John MacKinnon (here, next to this marker); "Cliffs High and Steep" (within shouting distance of this marker); "nearer than the route we Came" (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bighorned Animals (about 600 feet away); Join the Voyage of Discovery (about 600 feet away); The Dearborn – Ancient Interstate Highway (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Search (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Craig.

More about this marker. This marker is located at the Northbound Dearborn Rest Area on Interstate 15.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 13, 2019

2. Dearborn's River Marker

The marker is on the right.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 268 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 29, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.