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

Yellowstone River: A Water Expressway

July 15, 1806 Arrival at the Yellowstone River

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2020

1. Yellowstone River: A Water Expressway Marker

Inscription. Following the route that Sacajawea pointed out, what is now Bozeman Pass, Clark and his party arrived at the Yellowstone River. Clark called it the Rochejhone, a French word that translates to Yellowstone. Several tribes names translate to Elk River. This water route would carry the party to the Missouri River. They were anxious to quickly and safely rendezvous with Lewis, proceed to the Mandan Indian Villages where they had wintered two years earlier, and finish their journey home. In contrast to the months of traveling slowly across the mountains and prairies on foot and horseback, they sped along up to 70 miles per day traveling downstream on the Yellowstone.

"...the River rochjhone at which place I arrived at 2 P.M....The Roche passed out of a high rugid mountain covered with Snow." (He noted the Gallatin Range on the west and the Absaroka Range on the East.) - William Clark, July 15, 1806

Erected by Bureau of Land Management and National Conservation Lands.

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 July 15, 1806.

Location. 45° 59.711′ N, 108° 0.193′ W. Marker is near Worden

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, 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. Three Forks: Clark's Party Splits (here, next to this marker); Transportation: Traveling Downstream (here, next to this marker); Transportation: Hoofing It (here, next to this marker); Injury Forces a Halt to Build Canoes (within shouting distance of this marker); Preparations of Continuing the Trip (within shouting distance of this marker); Clark's Canoe Camp on the Yellowstone, Archaeology Study (within shouting distance of this marker); Using Modern Mapping Technology to Help Solve a 200 Year-Old Mystery (within shouting distance of this marker); Making Canoes, Then and Now (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Worden.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2022

2. Yellowstone River: A Water Expressway Marker

This marker has been updated, but the text remains the same.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2020

3. Yellowstone River: A Water Expressway Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 28, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 139 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 28, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 2. submitted on May 4, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on January 28, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.