Near Miles City in Custer County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

History Written on Trees

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 13, 2020

1. History Written on Trees Marker

Inscription. You stand about 500 miles from where the Yellowstone's 670-mile journey begins from its headwater in Yellowstone National Park to the confluence with the Missouri River. The last of America's free flowing rivers, the Yellowstone drains 70,100 square miles of land, an area the size of North Dakota.

Floods are a natural part of the river ecosystem; they carve out new habitats, maintain biodiversity, and improve water quality. How can you tell this area has been flooded?
Look at the base of the cottonwood trees beyond this sign. Can you find where the bark has been peeled away? "Ice Scars" form as large ice jams break up, slamming ice chunks into trees.
Ice scars record a river's history. By looking at a tree's growth rings and its scarred surface, a pattern of flooding events can be pieced together. For example these scars were formed during a flood in 1978 and this information can be used to help determine soil movements overtime.

Erected by Montana State Parks.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Natural Features.

Location. 46° 26.501′ N, 105° 49.015′ W. Marker is near Miles City, Montana, in Custer County. Marker is on State Road

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489 near State Highway 59. The maker is located along the foot trails in Pirogue State Park. The park parking lot is at the end of an unnamed dirt road off of Montana 489. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Miles City MT 59301, 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. Historic Farming (approx. ¼ mile away); Holy Rosary Hospital (approx. 2.3 miles away); Ed and Doris Love House (approx. 2.4 miles away); Lukes / Love House (approx. 2.4 miles away); Anderson Bungalow (approx. 2.4 miles away); Stacy Residence (approx. 2.4 miles away); Coleman Residence (approx. 2.4 miles away); Dr. Gray Residence (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Miles City.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 13, 2020

2. History Written on Trees Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 10, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 10, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.