Twin Bridges in Madison County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

"...a handsome little river..."

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2021

1. "...a handsome little river..." Marker

Caption (background) The Jefferson (Beaverhead) River today.

Inscription. When Captain Meriwether Lewis and his men arrived in the Jefferson River Valley in August 1805, they explored the tributaries of the Jefferson River (today's Beaverhead River), which was named after President Thomas Jefferson. They named it tributaries Philanthrophy and Wisdom, in homage of the President's character. These rivers are now referred as the Ruby and Big Hole respectively.
During exploration, Captain Lewis made a broad loop south of present day Twin Bridges, observing the Ruby and Beaverhead Rivers. He walked about 15 miles up the Big Hole River before returning to his men. After this journey, he was convinced that the Jefferson River was he route to travel.

Erected by Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

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° 32.607′ N, 112° 20.014′ W. Marker is in Twin Bridges, Montana, in Madison County. Marker can be reached from Fairgrounds Loop Road near State Highway 41. The marker is in the the gazebo at the Madison County Fairgrounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 Fairgrounds Loop Road, Twin Bridges MT 59754, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Which way did they go? (here, next to this marker); Recognizing her people's land (here, next to this marker); Jefferson River - Beaverhead River (here, next to this marker); Sacajawea, "Pomp" and Seaman (a few steps from this marker); Pavilion (within shouting distance of this marker); Madison County Fairgrounds (within shouting distance of this marker); Square Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Road Agent Trail (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Twin Bridges.

"...a handsome little river..." Marker, on the right image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2021

2. "...a handsome little river..." Marker, on the right

Gazebo at the Madison County Fairgrounds image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2021

3. Gazebo at the Madison County Fairgrounds

Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 6, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 6, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.