Salem near Great Falls in Cascade County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

A Modern, Well-Armed Unit

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 21, 2026

1. A Modern, Well-Armed Unit Marker

Inscription. With little information about what animals and people the Expedition would encounter Lewis gathered an array of weapons. Each soldier brought the musket he had already been issued by the army. Additionally, the Expedition has large caliber rifles, blunderbusses, and a two-inch bore cannon. The Captains carried pistols and the men had knives and tomahawks.

Erected by Portage Route Chapter, Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance (formerly Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation).

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Military. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list.

Location. 47° 34.834′ N, 111° 2.483′ W. Marker is near Great Falls, Montana, in Cascade County. It is in Salem. It is on Salem Road near Highwood Road, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located at the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Portage Staging Area National Historic Site. The Staging area is approximately 6 miles north of Highwood Road on Salem Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Great Falls

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MT 59404, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically entral Montana in Russell 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 one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Portaging the Great Falls (a few steps from this marker); The Staging Area (a few steps from this marker); The Lewis and Clark Expedition (a few steps from this marker); Deciding the Best Route (within shouting distance of this marker); Keen Observers of Nature (within shouting distance of this marker); Avenue to the Plains (within shouting distance of this marker); Flowing Free for Miles (approx. one mile away); Land of Many Uses / Sulphur Springs Hiking Trail / Lewis and Clark Reach the Rapids (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Great Falls.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 21, 2026

2. A Modern, Well-Armed Unit Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 21, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.