Dayton in Columbia County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

Patit Creek Campsite

Columbia County, Washington

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 15, 2020

1. Patit Creek Campsite Marker

Inscription. "Friday, May 2d, 1806"

The Corps of Discovery camped near this spot with fair weather and a southwest wind on their return to St. Louis. They recorded seeing deer, sandhill cranes, beaver, and otter. There was camas in bloom along the Patit Creek when Lewis & Clark both compared this land to the rich fertile bottomland along the Missouri and Ohio Rivers.
To the north of this camp was the trail on which they proceeded on the morning of May 3rd. Today it is the Ronan Road that retraces part of the old trail.

This marker was placed here for you interest with the cooperation of the landowner.
PLEASE RESPECT PRIVATE PROPERTY!

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 May 2, 1806.

Location. 46° 20.741′ N, 117° 56.151′ W. Marker is in Dayton, Washington, in Columbia County. Marker is at the intersection of Patit Road and Ronan Hill Road, on the right when traveling east on Patit Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dayton WA 99328, 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. A different marker also named Patit Creek Campsite (a few steps from this marker); "encamped on the N. side"

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(a few steps from this marker); Columbia County Courthouse (approx. 2.7 miles away); Columbia County (approx. 2.7 miles away); City of Dayton (approx. 2.7 miles away); Railroad Track Park (approx. 2.7 miles away); Oldest Existing Depot in the State of Washington (approx. 2.7 miles away); The Celilo Falls Trail (approx. 2.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dayton.

Patit Creek Campsite and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 15, 2020

2. Patit Creek Campsite and Marker

Patit Creek Campsite image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Scenic Washington State 365

3. Patit Creek Campsite

As part of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, a group of Dayton residents created a full-scale restoration of the campsite with life-size metal silhouette sculptures. Using the journals as reference, all members (human and animal) of the expedition are represented. The camp is located just two miles east of Dayton on Patit road. Silhouette statues of Lewis, Clark and horses mark Patit Rd at the turn from US Highway 12. Signs at the site include a legend of those represented. Scenic Washington State 365

Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 215 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 1, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.