Craig in Lewis and Clark County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Ordway Creek?

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 15, 2022

1. Ordway Creek? Marker

Inscription. "in the evening we passed a large creek about 30 yds wide which disembogues on the Stard. side; it discharges a bold current of water it's banks low and bed frormed (sic) of stones altogether; this stream we called Ordway's creek after Sergt. John Ordway." Captain Meriwether Lewis, July 18, 1805

This stream, now called Little Prickley Pear Creek, has it origins at the continental divide near Helena, Montana. The upper reaches abound in fish and provide an important spawning tributary for migratory rainbow and brown trout from the Missouri River.
The name "Ordway's Creek" was given by Captain Lewis, but changed many years ago. Many of the landmarks that were named for the expedition do not remain and have changed over the last two hundred years. Sergeant Ordway was the First Sergeant of the expedition and was often left in charge of the members of the expedition when both the captains were absent.

Erected by Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation.

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 18, 1805.

Location. 47° 1.193′ N, 112° 0.7′ W. Marker is in Craig, Montana

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, in Lewis and Clark County. Marker is on Craig Frontage Road (at milepost 11) near Beartooth Road, on the right when traveling south. The marker is located at the Wolf Creek Bridge Access Site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wolf Creek MT 59648, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Old U.S. Highway 91 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Mann Gulch Fire (about 400 feet away); Wolf Creek Hotel (approx. 2.9 miles away); Remembering Governor Forrest H. Anderson (approx. 4.4 miles away); The Montana Central Railroad (approx. 6½ miles away); A Perfect Defile (approx. 6½ miles away); The Search (approx. 7.9 miles away); The Dearborn – Ancient Interstate Highway (approx. 8.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Craig.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 15, 2022

2. Ordway Creek? Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 41 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 28, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.