Location: Ross's Hole, Ravalli County
On September 3, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery, entered the picturesque Bitterroot Valley in what is now Montana. Here, at a location known as Ross's Hole, near present-day Sula, they encountered the Salish people. This meeting was crucial for the expedition, as the Salish provided much-needed horses and guidance for crossing the formidable Bitterroot Mountains. The interaction marked a significant moment of cultural exchange and cooperation between the American explorers and the indigenous inhabitants of the region, facilitating the expedition's westward journey. Ross's Hole remains a historically important site, commemorating this pivotal encounter in the exploration of the American West.