Lewis and Clark Pass
July 07, 2006
Provided by: Rod Benson, Helena High School
Summary authors & editors: Rod Benson
On their return trip from the Pacific Ocean in 1806, the Lewis and Clark Expedition split up. Clark’s party set out to explore what is now southern Montana, while Lewis took nine men on a more northerly route to investigate a short cut over the mountains and then explore north-central Montana. The Corps learned of the short cut from Indian tribes west of the divide who used it to travel to the plains, east of the mountains, where they could hunt buffalo.
On July 7, 1806, as the Lewis party reached this pass on the Continental Divide, they recognized a landmark from their westward journey through the Great Falls area during the previous summer -- a prominent butte that they had named Fort Mountain. It was a welcome sight, not only because it meant that they were on their way home, but also because once again they would be able to enjoy an abundance of buffalo meat. Photo taken on May 18, 2006.
Related Links: