Fort Benton in Chouteau County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Lewis' Return
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019
1. 1806 Lewis' Return Marker
On July 16, 1806, Captain Lewis gave instructions to Sgt. Ordway to finish the portage at the Great Falls and wait for him at the month of Maria's River. After their wild encounter with the Blackfoot on the Two Medicine and a twenty-hour ride, Lewis, Drouillard and the two Field brothers were overcome with "unspeakable satisfaction" when they heard gunshots coming from the river.
They rode to the bank and saw Sgt. Ordway's party in six canoes coming down the river. They hurriedly unpacked their horses and gave them their freedom. Quickly loading their gear, they headed to the mouth of Maria's River where they opened the caches and abandoned the damaged red pirogue before hastily leaving Blackfoot county.
Erected by Fort Benton Community Improvement Association.
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 16, 1806.
Location. 47° 49.317′ N, 110° 39.644′ W. Marker is in Fort Benton, Montana, in Chouteau County. It is on Front Street near 21st Street, on the right
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Montana, 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 Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Nez Perce War (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Engage's Quarters (about 700 feet away); Buffalo Robe Fur Press (about 700 feet away); Old Fort Benton (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort Benton Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort Benton and the Indian Wars (approx. 0.2 miles away); Steamboat Relics (approx. 0.2 miles away); War Dogs Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Benton.
More about this marker. This marker is located in the Fort Benton
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019
2. 1806 Lewis' Return Marker, back
"Unspeakable satisfaction" – The meeting on the Missouri after an all night ride
Capt. Lewis , Drouillard and two Field brothers -- Ordway's canoe party by Robert Morgan
Capt. Lewis , Drouillard and two Field brothers -- Ordway's canoe party by Robert Morgan
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019
3. 1806 Lewis' Return Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 308 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 5, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
