Near Epping in Williams County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

"Handsome High Planes"

Lewis and Clark State Park

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 2, 2011

1. "Handsome High Planes" Marker

Inscription. The seemingly endless sea of prairie that Lewis and Clark's Corp of Discovery encountered during their trek west along the Missouri River was a constant source of fascination. As the party neared what is today Lewis and Clark Park, Captain William Clark described his surroundings as "Some verry handsome high planes & extensive bottoms." Lewis add to this by noting the "many fine leavel extensive and extremely fertile lands."

The Missouri River has changed since Lewis and Clark wrote those words on April 15th, 1805. But the handsome high plains and fertile land seen by the Corp of Discovery still exists today.

Erected by North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department.

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 August 11, 1806.

Location. 48° 7.44′ N, 103° 13.895′ W. Marker is near Epping, North Dakota, in Williams County. It can be reached from 119th Road Northwest near 121st Street Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:

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4904 119th Road Northwest, Epping ND 58843, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Dakota’s Bakken Oil Patch.

It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

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 5 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: "Lewis Mistaken For an Elk" (here, next to this marker); Lewis and Clark State Park (here, next to this marker); "Great Numbers" (here, next to this marker); "Keeping up with Necessities" (here, next to this marker); Tobacco Garden Bay (approx. 6 miles away).

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 2, 2011

2. "Handsome High Planes" Marker

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 2, 2011

3. "Handsome High Planes" Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 154 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 26, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.