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

Triumph and Torment

August 3, 1806 Encampment

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2020

1. Triumph and Torment Marker

Inscription. At 8 am, Clark and his party arrived at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers. They formed their camp at the same point between the two rivers where they had encamped on the 26th of April, 1805. They had no way of knowing they were only days away from reuniting with Lewis and the rest of the Expedition, and there was little cause to celebrate. All of their belongings were wet and had to be laid out to dry, their meet reserve had spoiled as had the skins they were saving to make clothing. But the worst complaints were about the swarms of mosquitoes. They were so bad that when Clark claimed a hill to shoot a bighorn sheep he could not sight his rifle. "the Musquetors were So noumerous that I could not Shute with any Certainty."

"last night the Musquetors was so troublesom that no one of the party Slept half the night. for my part I did not Sleep one hour. those tormenting insects found their way into My beare (mosquitoe net) and tormented me the whole night. they are not less noumerous or troublesome this morning..." - William Clark, August 3, 1806

Erected by Bureau of Land Management and National Conservation Lands.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

• Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 3, 1806.

Location. 45° 59.661′ N, 108° 0.043′ W. Marker is near Worden, Montana, in Yellowstone County. Marker can be reached from State Highway 312 near South 31st Road, on the right when traveling west. This marker is on The "Yellowstone River" Walkway at Pompeys Pillar National Monument. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3001 Highway 312, Worden MT 59088, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The "Yellowstone River" Walkway (a few steps from this marker); Buffalo: Then and Now (within shouting distance of this marker); Coal: Black Wave of the Future (within shouting distance of this marker); A Good Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Open Spaces: Room to Roam (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sign of American Indians (about 500 feet away); Making Canoes, Then and Now (about 500 feet away); Clark's Canoe Camp on the Yellowstone, Archaeology Study (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Worden.

The Yellowstone River Walkway and Triumph and Torment Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2020

2. The Yellowstone River Walkway and Triumph and Torment Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 25, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.