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The Expedition Begins
In 1804 a hopeful Thomas Jefferson sent Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to find the fabled River of the West. From the time of Columbus, explorers and statesmen had dreamed of a Northwest Passage, an all-water route connecting the trade routes of the Pacific to the Old World of the Atlantic. As president of a still-young nation, Jefferson had pressed for the Louisiana Purchase to strengthen American trade and settlement. The final $15 million-dollar agreement with France doubled America's size overnight. |
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Lewis & Clark in Montana
On April 25, 1805, the Corps of Discovery camped by the riverside near the future site of Fort Union. Lewis and Clark hoped they were only weeks away from the Pacific via an all-water route, the mythical Northwest Passage. The group rested and celebrated their arrival at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers. The expedition journals noted the spot's potential as a trade location between two navigable rivers, the early highways of commerce. Entering what would be Montana led the expedition into the land of the Blackfeet. Their first contact with this tribe had been less than promising.
The Northwest Passage was not Jefferson's only priority. In fact, of the tasks assigned them, Lewis and Clark accomplished the most within the modern borders of Montana. Contact and negotiations with native tribes, the reconnaissance of suitable sites for trading posts and forts, and scientific accounts of the land's plants, animals, and scenic resources were all in keeping with Jefferson's hopes for the expedition.
Montana Unspoiled Adventure
Today, much of the Montana landscape that Lewis & Clark crossed remains unchanged. From solitary sandstone through river canyons to mountain meadows, Montana's rivers and highways flow past scores of landmarks related to the expedition. This site is a guide to these landmarks and the many opportunities to enjoy Montana's beauty and recreation.
On The Trail
Join us on the trail with Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery! Using our interactive map you can follow the route of Lewis and Clark from border to border. Along your virtual route you can read a historical account of the site, read the actual journal entry, view the site as it appears today, and watch streaming video, from the Ken Burns archive, that provides a vivid illustration some of the most beautiful landscape in the world. And for each point along the route we have made it easy for you to access information on cities, events, accommodations, attractions and travel planning assistance.
Special Events
Montana has many special events celebrating Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery. Clark Bottom Rendezvous: Encamp at an old established rendezvous spot on the Yellowstone River just south of Laurel, Montana. Captain Clark of the Lewis & Clark Expedition camped near here in 1806. Clark Day: Celebrate Captain Clark’s visit to Pompeys Pillar in 1806, as part of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Canoe the Yellowstone River, visit numerous historic interpretive stations, eat buffalo burgers and listen to bluegrass music in the park. Click here for a complete list of Montana Lewis and Clark events.
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