Big Timber in Sweet Grass County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Elk, Rochejhone, Yellowstone

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2022

1. Elk, Rochejhone, Yellowstone Marker

Inscription. In 1806 the Native American called it "Elk River.' The French trappers had given it the name "Rochejhone," which became for us today "The Yellowstone River."

As Lewis and Clark traveled homeward the captains took different routes to cover more territory. Captain Clark, ten men and Sacagawea and her infant son, Pomp, explored the Yellowstone River. The party crossed the Bridger Mountains and rode their horses along the north side of the river until they found trees large enough to make dugout canoes near present day Park City, Montana.
Clark's group passed through Sweet Grass County July 16-18, 1806, camping the evening of July 16 at Little Timber Creek east of Big Timber. The next day they covered 33 miles along well worn Indian and buffalo trails, passing where you are now standing. They camped just west of present day Reed Point.

"The river and Creek bottoms abound in Cotton wood trees, tho' none of them Sufficently large for Canoes. and the current of the Rochejhone is too rapid to depend on Skinn canoes. no other alternative for me but to proceed on down untill I can find a tree Sufficently large &c. to make a Canoe."

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William Clark July 16, 1806

Erected by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, 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. A significant historical date for this entry is July 16, 1806.

Location. 45° 51.285′ N, 109° 55.026′ W. Map coordinates may not be accurate

Marker is in Big Timber, Montana, in Sweet Grass County. It can be reached from Howie Road near U.S. 191. The marker is located at the Otter Creek Fishing Access. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Big Timber MT 59011, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Montana’s Yellowstone Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2022

2. Elk, Rochejhone, Yellowstone Marker

crow flies: A River of Abundance (here, next to this marker); The Wild River (here, next to this marker); Grand Hotel (approx. 2.3 miles away); Carnegie Public Library (approx. 2.3 miles away); Captain William Clark (approx. 2.3 miles away); Sweet Grass Woolen Mill (approx. 2.3 miles away); St. Mark's Episcopal Church (approx. 2.4 miles away); The Bonanza or Bozeman Trail (approx. 2.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Big Timber.

Additional keywords. The marker is located at the Otter Creek Fishing Access,

Credits. This page was last revised on May 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 167 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 9, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.