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

A River of Abundance

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2022

1. A River of Abundance Marker

Inscription. The Yellowstone River valley provided a cornucopia of wildlife for the Corpa of Discovery. This was a blessing after periods of near starvation earlier in the journey.
Wildlife supplied the Corps with more than meat. Buffalo, deer and elk hides replaced threadbare clothing, buffalo hides were made into moccasins for sore footed horses and bear grease was applied for protection against ever-menacing mosquitoes.

"...two white or Grey Bears in the plains, one of them I Chased on horse back for about 2 miles to the rugid (sic) part of the plains when I was compelled to give up the Chase..." William Clark July 16. 1806

"not so many Elk & more deer Shannon killed one deer." William Clark July 17, 1806

"Saw emence hearts of Elk feeding." William Clark July 16, 1806

"this buffalow provd to be a very fat Bull I had...a part of the Skin to make mocker sons for Same of our lame horses." William Clark July 16, 1805

"Buffalow is getting much more plenty than they were above." William Clark July 17, 1806

"Saw a large gangue of about 200 Elk and nearly as many Antilope..." William Clark July 16, 1806

Erected by Montana

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Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Exploration. 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. Marker is near Big Timber, Montana, in Sweet Grass County. It can be reached from Howie Road near U.S. 191, on the left when traveling east. 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 crow flies: Elk, Rochejhone, Yellowstone

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2022

2. A River of Abundance Marker

(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.

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 173 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 9, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.