Williston in Williams County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Lewis and Clark Trail

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 16, 2019

1. Lewis and Clark Trail Marker

Captions: (left) "Lewis and Clark arrive at the confluence, April 26, 1805" by Barbara Schaffner; (center, map) Lewis and Clark's expeditor route across the northern United States.; (right) Lewis's journal entry made in the Fort Union area.

Inscription. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were among the first to recognize the suitability of this site for a trading post. Their expedition (1804-1806) passed through this area on its way to the Pacific Coast.
The explorers noted that the riverbank here had a gavel base, and was situated well above the flood level. Cottonwood and ash were readily available for construction. The site provided a broad vista which would prevent approaching Indians from being concealed Indians on their trading migrations would also be able to see an outpost from a great distance.
On the return leg of the journey, Lewis extensively surveyed and charted this site and the land near the junction of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers. Today, Fort Union is a designated stop on the Lewis and Clark National Trail.

Erected by National Park Service, 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.

Location. 47° 59.948′ N, 104° 2.576′ W. Marker is in Williston, North Dakota, in Williams County. Marker is on Mondak Backroad 1 near 143rd Avenue Northwest (State Route 1804), on

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the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15550 North Dakota 1804, Williston ND 58801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gravel Pits (here, next to this marker); River Interstates (within shouting distance of this marker); Stepping "Off the Map" in the Louisiana Territory (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dwelling Range (about 500 feet away); Riverboat Landing (about 500 feet away); Bourgeois House (about 500 feet away); Front Gate (about 500 feet away); Outpost on the Missouri (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williston.

More about this marker. This marker is overlooking the parking lot of Fort Union Trading Post National Historic
Site.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 16, 2019

2. Lewis and Clark Trail Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 164 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 5, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.