Near Fort Benton in Chouteau County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Lewis and Clark Trail

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

1. Lewis and Clark Trail Marker

Inscription. The river below was the first trail west. On their way to the Pacific, Lewis and Clark used the Missouri as their route to the Rocky Mountains. Maria's River enters the Missouri fifteen miles down stream. In June 1805 the Captains spent ten days exploring both forks, trying to decide which way led to the mountains. Although their men wanted to continue up the north fork, Lewis and Clark chose the south fork. Their decision prevented weeks of retracing the trail and probably saved the expedition. The Corps of Discovery was able to cross the Rockies before winter prevented its passage.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Environment. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list.

Location. 47° 48.892′ N, 110° 42.569′ W. Marker is near Fort Benton, Montana, in Chouteau County. It is on U.S. 87 near County Road 386, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Benton MT 59442, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Montana,

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in Missouri River Country,

and specifically in Russell Country. It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

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 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Mullan Road (here, next to this marker); Fort Benton (here, next to this marker); Steamboat Navigation (here, next to this marker); Chouteau County (here, next to this marker); Fur Trade Posts (here, next to this marker); Whoop-up Trail (here, next to this marker); St. Paul's Episcopal Church (approx. 1.7 miles away); a different marker also named St. Paul's Episcopal Church (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Benton.

More about this marker. This and six other markers are located at the kiosk overlooking the Missouri River.

Missouri River Overlook Kiosk image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

2. Missouri River Overlook Kiosk

Missouri River image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

3. Missouri River

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 481 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 31, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.