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

Colter's Run 1808

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2021

1. Colter's Run 1808 Marker

Caption: (map) Colter's Path to Safety - Over 200 Miles in 7 Days.

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The Headwater's Region was the setting for the legend of ... Colter's Run 1808

In the fall of 1808 John Colter and John Potts, both former members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, were trapping up the Jefferson River. Angered by previous encounters with white men, a band of Blackfeet attacked the two trappers. Potts was killed; Colter was stripped and told to run for his life. Heading out across the plains, Colter outdistanced all but one of the pursuers. Nearly exhausted, Colter turned on the Indian, killing him. The trapper continued on to the river, where he hid under a snag. The Blackfeet searched for him but finally gave up at darkness. Colter emerged and headed for the trapper's fort on the Big Horn River, a journey made in seven days.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Notable Events.

Location. 45° 53.798′ N, 111° 33.085′ W. Marker is in Three Forks, Montana, in Gallatin County. Marker is at the intersection of North Main Street (State Highway 2) and Cottonwood, on

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.

Click or scan to see
this page online

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); Lewis & Clark Arrive at the Headwaters July, 1805 (here, next to this marker); The Fur Trapper (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.

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 60 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 1, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.