Three Forks in Gallatin County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Lewis & Clark Arrive at the Headwaters July, 1805

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2021

1. Lewis & Clark Arrive at the Headwaters July, 1805 Marker

Captions: Meriwether Lewis, William Clark; Clark's Map of the Headwaters of the Missouri.

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Lewis and Clark explored the Missouri River in search of the "Northwest Passage."

"The object of your mission" wrote President Thomas Jefferson to Meriwether Lewis and William Clark "is to explore the Missouri River and such principal streams oft it ... as may offer the most direct and practicable water communication across the continent." Lewis and Clark, along with 32 other members of the expedition, camped on the banks of the Jefferson near here. Although they realized by then that the Missouri would not lead directly to the Pacific, they still considered it "an essential point" in the geography of North America. The Expedition rested here, exploring the surrounding area and noting the wide variety and abundance of game and plants. The following year, Clark and some members of the Expedition returned here on their way east.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list.

Location. 45° 53.798′ N, 111°

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33.085′ W. Marker is in Three Forks, Montana, in Gallatin County. Marker is at the intersection of North Main Street and Cottonwood, on the left when traveling north on North Main Street. The marker is near Three Forks Chamber of Commerce. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 North Main Street, Three Forks MT 59752, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Native Americans (here, next to this marker); European Interest in the Missouri (here, next to this marker); Fur Trade (here, next to this marker); Louisiana Purchase - 1803 (here, next to this marker); The Fur Trapper (here, next to this marker); Colter's Run 1808 (here, next to this marker); Three Forks Post - 1810 (here, next to this marker); Sacajawea Captured in 1800 (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Three Forks.

Markers located next to the Three Forks Chamber of Commerce. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2021

2. Markers located next to the Three Forks Chamber of Commerce.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 176 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 1, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.