Exploration
William Clark Carves Name on Pompey's Pillar, 1806
Pompey's Pillar, Yellowstone County
On July 25, 1806, Captain William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition carved his name and the date into Pompey's Pillar, a sandstone rock formation overlooking the Yellowstone River near present-day Billings, Montana. This inscription is the only remaining physical evidence of the expedition's journey on their return trip.
Clark named the pillar after Sacagawea's son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, whom he nicknamed 'Pomp.' This act marked a significant moment in the exploration of the American West, serving as a tangible link to the Corps of Discovery's historic journey and their detailed documentation of the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase.
Frequently asked questions
What happened on July 25 in Montana history?
William Clark Carves Name on Pompey's Pillar, 1806. On July 25, 1806, Captain William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition carved his name and the date into Pompey's Pillar, a sandstone rock formation overlooking the Yellowstone River near present-day Billings, Montana. This inscription is the only remaining physical evidence of the expedition's journey on their return trip.
Where did this take place?
This July 25 event is associated with Pompey's Pillar, Yellowstone County.
When did this event happen?
It took place in 1806, on July 25.
Why does this day matter in Montana history?
Clark named the pillar after Sacagawea's son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, whom he nicknamed 'Pomp.' This act marked a significant moment in the exploration of the American West, serving as a tangible link to the Corps of Discovery's historic journey and their detailed documentation of the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase.
Topics: Lewis and Clark · exploration · Yellowstone River