Near Worden in Yellowstone County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Pompey's Pillar

Photographed by K.D. Swan, May 13, 1946

1. Pompey's Pillar Marker

This photo was cropped from the original at the National Archives (Record Group 95: Records of the Forest Service, 1870-2008)

Inscription.

Pompey's Pillar
Discovered and named by Captain William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition July 25, 1806.

With Clark returning down the Yellowstone were: Pryor, Shannon, Bratton, Windsor, Hall, Shields, Gibson, Labiche, Chaboneau, Sacajawea and child, York the slave.

In gratitude to Lewis and Clark, the intrepid leaders, to Sacajawea, their unerring guide, and to the fidelity and courage of all the company.
This tablet is dedicated by Shining Mountain Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution Billings, Montana May 24, 1928

Erected 1928 by Daughters of the American Revolution, Shining Mountain Chapter.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and the Lewis & Clark Expedition series lists. A significant day of the year for for this entry is May 31.

Location. 45° 59.726′ N, 108° 0.281′ W. Marker is near Worden, Montana, in Yellowstone County. It can be reached from Pompey's Pillar Access Road north of State Highway 312, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map.

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Marker is in this post office area: Worden MT 59088, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Yellowstone Country

and in Greater Billings.

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 walking distance of this marker: The Changing Faces of Pompeys Pillar (within shouting distance of this marker); The Pompeys Pillar Legacy (within shouting distance of this marker); A Crossroads of Events (within shouting distance of this marker); "This rock I ascended (within shouting distance of this marker); Three Forks: Clark's Party Splits (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Yellowstone River: A Water Expressway (about 400 feet away); Transportation: Traveling Downstream (about 400 feet away); Transportation: Hoofing It (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Worden.

Regarding Pompey's Pillar. First

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2022

2. Pompey's Pillar Marker

named by Captain William Clark as "Pompey's Tower," Pompey's Pillar is a huge sandstone formation rising 150 feet above the Yellowstone River. The pillar is a sandstone history book showing the remains of animal drawings created by people who used the area for rendezvous and campsites over 11,000 years. Clark named it for Sacajawea's child Jean Baptiste Charbonneau or Pomp. Captain Clark carved his signature into the face of the rock.

Plaques on Pompey's Pillar image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2022

3. Plaques on Pompey's Pillar

The Pompey's Pillar marker by the DAR is at the upper center, at the lower right is William Clark's inscription and the date July 25, 1806. That the upper left is plaque dedicated to Meriwether Lewis and at the lower left is a plaque dedicated to the memory of Don C. Foote.

William Clark's 1806 mark on Pompey's Pillar image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, August 2, 2010

4. William Clark's 1806 mark on Pompey's Pillar

Wm Clark's name engraved on Pompey's Pillar image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2022

5. Wm Clark's name engraved on Pompey's Pillar

<center> Memoriam <br> Meriwether Lewis (illegible ) <br> and <br> William Clark </center> image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2022

6. Memoriam
Meriwether Lewis (illegible )
and
William Clark

Members of (?) Lodge No. 111, (?) Tenn, Lodge No. 12, subsequently (?) No. I.A.F. & A.M.
This tablet placed by Billings Lodge N. 113 A.F,&A.M. at a meeting of the lodge held here June 20, 1938

<center> In Memory of <br> Don C. Foote <br> 1908 - 1968 </center> image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2022

7. In Memory of
Don C. Foote
1908 - 1968

Whose dedication and untiring efforts toward the preservation of our American Heritage, made this landmark available for those who follow.

Pompey's Pillar image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2020

8. Pompey's Pillar

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2022

9. Pompey's Pillar

Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2020, by Cheryl Genovese of Bozeman, Montana. This page has been viewed 794 times since then and 83 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 5, 2020, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on May 4, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on May 5, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 4. submitted on December 26, 2012, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 5. submitted on May 4, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 6, 7. submitted on May 5, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 8. submitted on January 27, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 9. submitted on May 5, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker and the surrounding area together in context. • Additional photos of the inscriptions on Pompey's Pillar. • Additional views of Pompey's Pillar. • Can you help?