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

"Great Numbers"

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer

1. "Great Numbers" Marker

(background) "When the Valley's Were Full" C 1992 John Dawson

Inscription. The journals of Lewis and Clark are filled with vivid descriptions of the wildlife encountered on their journey west. On April 17th, 1805, near Lewis and Clark State Park, William Clark wrote that he saw "great numbs (numbers) of Buffalow feeding in the Plains at a distance." He also noted seeing "Several Small parties of antelopes large herds of Elk, Some white wolves, and in a pond... Swan Gees & different kinds of Ducks in great numbers." Days later, as the party neared the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers, Lewis used the words "spectacular" and "immense" to describe much the same scene. Bald eagles, bighorn sheep, grizzly bear, muskrat and beaver also were recorded during this time. The beaver were especially plentiful and became a favorite meal of the men.

Today, Lewis & Clark State Park and northwest North Dakota continue to provide us with a window to the past. One can still glimpse many of the same animals the Corps of Discovery encountered so long ago. "

Erected by North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists:

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Animals • Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list.

Location. 48° 7.44′ N, 103° 13.89′ W. Marker is near Epping, North Dakota, in Williams County. It can be reached from 119th Road Northwest near 121st Street Northwest. The marker is located in Lewis and Clark State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 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: "Keeping up with Necessities" (here, next to this marker); "Lewis Mistaken For an Elk" (here, next to this marker); "Handsome High Planes" (here, next

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer

2. "Great Numbers" Marker

to this marker); Lewis and Clark State Park (here, next to this marker); Tobacco Garden Bay (approx. 6 miles away).

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer

3. "Great Numbers" Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 146 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 28, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.