Lewis and Clark

On their entire journey the Lewis and Clark Expedition or as it was officially called the Corps of Discovery spent more time in Montana then in any future USA state. And Southwest Montana was pivotal to their success to make it to the Pacific Ocean.

South of Dillon, at a site now under waters of Clark Canyon Reservoir, they were fortunate to meet with the Shoshone. These native people described the correct route to the Columbia River and traded with the Corp for the horses they would need to progress westward. They also provided guides.

The captains named the gathering place Camp Fortunate. It was here where the Red Rock River and Grant Creek joined that they met with the tribe’s Chief Cameahwait to negotiate. Sacagawea, part of the expedition was a Shoshone who had been kidnapped five years earlier at the Three Forks. The chief was her brother!