Near Great Falls in Cascade County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

The Great Falls of the Missouri River

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

1. The Great Falls of the Missouri River Marker

Inscription. On June, 13, 1805 Captain Meriwether Lewis confirmed the existence of what had been just a legend to many - the Great Falls of the Missouri River. Earlier that day, Lewis, who as suspected the falls were in the area based on what the Minnetaree Indians had told him the previous winter, heard the "agreeable sound of a fall of water" and saw "the spray (arise) above the plain like a column of smoke." Finding a vantage spot overlooking the falls, he spent hours in a frustrating attempt to render a sketch that ultimately couldn't capture the essence of the "grandest sight I ever beheld."
Others followed Lewis and Clark. The Great Falls soon became a magnet for explorers and sightseers. In 1879, Ed Kelly was the first to hire guides and carry visitors in wagons to the falls. Visitors were awestruck by the natural wonder and descriptions of the falls in historical accounts are legion. Among those was Road-builder John Mullan's simple statement that the Great Falls "constituted a picture worthy (of) the pencil of the artist and the toil of the tourist." Since 1890, development of hydroelectric dams on the falls have significantly changed the appearance of Lewis's "majestically grand scenery." The Great Falls of the Missouri is located about five miles east of here.

Erected by Montana Centennial

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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 13, 1805.

Location. 47° 34.112′ N, 111° 15.36′ W. Marker is near Great Falls, Montana, in Cascade County. Marker is at the intersection of Morony Dam Road and U.S. 87, on the left when traveling west on Morony Dam Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Great Falls MT 59404, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Twenty-eight Mile Station (here, next to this marker); The Smallest River Runs Through It (approx. 2.6 miles away); Where Does the Water Come From? (approx. 2.7 miles away); These Springs Have Witnessed... (approx. 2.7 miles away); Pure Springs Along the Missouri River (approx. 2.7 miles away); Giant Fountain (approx. 2.7 miles away); Of Special Concern (approx. 2.7 miles away); One of Many Firsts (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Great Falls.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

2. The Great Falls of the Missouri River Marker

Tourists at the Great Falls of the Missouri image. Click for full size.

Photographed By M.L. DeLong

3. Tourists at the Great Falls of the Missouri

Credits. This page was last revised on October 31, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 453 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 31, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.