Near Grant in Beaverhead County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
"Most Distant Fountain" of the Mighty Missouri
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 24, 2017
1. "Most Distant Fountain" of the Mighty Missouri Marker
Caption: Lewis's red monkey flower, Mimulus lewisii
In 1921, historians named this spring "Most Distant Fountain," identifying it as the source of water Meriwether Lewis referred to in his journal. Lewis described water "issuing from the base of a low hill" about 1/2 mile below Lemhi Pass.
Was Lewis writing about this spring? We may never really know.
Water from rain and snowmelt seeps into the ground until it meets a solid layer of rock or clay. It pools above these impermeable layers, forming an aquifer. Influenced by gravity, water in an aquifer flows back out to the surface, if it can find a path. It often follows fault lines or factories underground. When water reaches the surface, it appears as a spring.
Erected by Beaverhead-Deerlodge & Salmon-Chaillis National Forest.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 12, 1805.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Beginning of the "Endless Missouri" (here, next to this marker); Sacajawea Memorial Area (within shouting distance of this marker in Idaho); Sacajawea (Memorial Area) (within shouting distance of this marker in Idaho); Crossing the Great Divide (approx. 0.3 miles away in Idaho); From Route ... To Road (approx. 0.3 miles away in Idaho); Lemhi Pass (approx. 0.6 miles away in Idaho); Agency Creek (approx. 0.6 miles away in Idaho); A Communication Across the Continent by Water (approx. ¾ mile away in Idaho).
More about this marker. This marker is at the Sacajawea Memorial Area on the Lewis and Clark National Back Country Byway and Adventure Road. The Byway is a 36 mile loop from Tendoy, Idaho to Lemhi Pass and back to Tendoy over gravel roads with a 4000 foot gain and loss in elevation. There are 10 designated stops with pullouts on the Byway and over two dozen information panels and markers on route. Estimated travel time is about 3 hours.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 24, 2017
2. "Most Distant Fountain" of the Mighty Missouri Marker
The marker is on the pole fence at the far left.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 24, 2017
3. The "Most Distant Fountain" of the Mighty Missouri Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2017. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 456 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 2, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
