Three Forks in Gallatin County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Three Forks Post - 1810
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2021
1. Three Forks Post - 1810 Marker
In 1810, Manuel Lisa of the Missouri Fur Co. sent a large party of 32 trappers under command of Pierre Menard and Andrew Henry to establish a post at the Headwaters. Arriving on April 3, 1810, they built a "small enclosure" consisting of a "fort and trading house at the Forks between the Jefferson and Madison Rivers." They accumulated large numbers of beaver, but grizzly bears and Blackfeet killed several trappers. Among the dead was George Drouillard, the Shawnee half-breed admired by Lewis and Clark for his wilderness skills. Col. Menard finally concluded that it was hopeless to maintain a post at the Three Forks. In the fall of 1810, the trappers abandoned the attempt to establish a permanent trading post at the Headwaters.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Industry & Commerce • Native Americans. A significant historical date for this entry is April 3, 1810.
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 the left when traveling north on North Main Street. The
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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); Colter's Run 1808 (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.
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 261 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 1, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
