Near Cascade in Cascade County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Point of Reference
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 15, 2022
1. Point of Reference Marker
On July 16, 1805 as the Expedition was about to enter the Rocky Mountains, Lewis describes some rapids "immediately at the foot of the mountain were the Missouri first enters." He also wrote about a "large pine tree situated on a small island at the head of these rapids." This is the first mention of Pine Island.
Later at winter camp on the Pacific Coast while compiling lists of rivers, creeks and significant geographical places, Clark includes Pine Island with mileage distances to other locations. Clark again uses Pine Island as a geographical reference point when describing Lewis' route over the Rocky Mountains and along the "Road to the buffalo" in July of 1806.
Erected by Portage Route Chapter, Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation (LCTHF).
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 16, 1805.
Location. 47° 11.304′ N, 111° 48.591′ W. Marker is near Cascade, Montana, in Cascade County. Marker can be reached from Old U.S. Highway 91 near Hardy Creek Lane, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located in the Tower Rock State Park parking
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Sentinel of the Rockies (here, next to this marker); Transition Terrain (here, next to this marker); From Too Much to Note Enough (here, next to this marker); From Indian Trail to Highways (here, next to this marker); July 17, 1805 & July 17, 1806 (approx. 1.4 miles away); The Missouri River Canyon and Old US Highway 91 (approx. 2 miles away); A Volcanic Island in the Rocky Mountains (approx. 2 miles away); Join the Voyage of Discovery (approx. 5.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cascade.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 15, 2022
2. Point of Reference Marker and Tower Rock
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 15, 2022
3. Tower Rock markers
Credits. This page was last revised on May 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 36 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 29, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
