April 30, 2002--Billings, Mont.-- Lewis and Clark left behind many items from their epic journey, but there is only one piece of permanent physical evidence that remains along the trail of the expedition. Pompeys Pillar, a 150-foot sandstone butte with Clark’s signature carved into the side, is this famous historical marker. The sandstone cliff is a National Historic Monument, and is located just 28 miles from the state’s largest city, Billings, in Southeast Montana.

July 25, 1806
William Clark
...arrived at a remarkable rock situated in an extensive bottom...this rock I ascended and from it’s top had a most extensive view in every direction. This rock which I shall call Pompy’s Tower is 200 feet high and 400 paces in secumpherance and only axcesable on one Side...The nativs have ingraved on the face of this rock the figures of animals & c. near which I marked my name and the day of the month & year.

In conjunction with the Bureau of Land Management, Pompeys Pillar Historical Association has begun raising funds to build the “Clark on the Yellowstone” interpretive center at Pompeys Pillar. The interpretive center is scheduled to break ground by 2003 when the Bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition begins. The interpretive center will tell stories about the history of Native Americans, Clark’s return route along the Yellowstone River, and the fur trappers and settlers that came to this area after Clark and his party, Sacagawea, and her son ”Pomp.” Captain Lewis and his party returned through Montana following the Missouri River. To contribute to the building of the interpretive center, please contact Pompeys Pillar Historical Association, PO Box 213, Worden, MT 59088.

As the Bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition approaches, many plans are underway to provide educational and entertaining experiences for groups visiting southeast Montana to commemorate this epic journey. Plans are also developing for the National Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Signature Event, “Clark on the Yellowstone,” focusing on the campsites and journal entries made 200 years ago. (One of a dozen selected national events.)

For more information on the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial in Billings and Southeast Montana, please call Rhonda Harms, Executive Director of the Billings CVC at 406-245-4111 or visit the web site at http://billingscvb.visitmt.com.

Slides are available upon request.

For more information on Billings, Montana, contact Rhonda Harms at the Billings Convention and Visitors Council at 406-245-4111 or visit the new web site at http://billingscvb.visitmt.com. For a free Billings Vacation Guide contact the Billings Chamber of Commerce at 406-252-4016 or 800-735-2635.