BILLINGS, MONTANA--March 3, 2000--In 1806, Captain William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition carved his name and date on a sandstone cliff (Pompeys Pillar) only 28 miles from present day Billings, MT. This mark remains as the only physical evidence along the trail of this epic journey.

Pompeys Pillar presents an ideal attraction for motorcoach tours. The Billings CVC can help tour organizers arrange Lewis and Clark or Old West reenactments, professional guides for historic, wildlife and botany tours of the area or even a pitchfork fondue at this historic site. Each year in July Pompeys Pillar Historical Association hosts Clark Day, a celebration of Clark's visit to the area. Interpretive stations, reenactments and an authentic buffalo feed are activities that take place during Clark Day.

Pompeys Pillar has begun the process of building a new interpretive center. In addition to information of Clark's journey on the Yellowstone River, this new center will provide information on the history of the Yellowstone River Valley as well. The new center is expected to be completed for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, beginning in 2003 and continuing until 2006.

The signature is available to the public for viewing throughout the year. From Memorial Day through September, the visitor center and bookstore are open and staffed with volunteers and Bureau of Land Management employees. Visitors can also view the signature October through April, however the facilities are not open and it is a short walk from the main road (approximately 0.5 miles).

The Lewis and Clark Bicentennial is sure to be one of the state's largest events. Many groups including the Pompeys Pillar Historical Society, Yellowstone County Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission, Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, Montana Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission and Travel Montana are planning special events and activities for the commemoration.

For more information on Billings, Montana or Pompeys Pillar, contact Ginny Jensen at 406-259-4546, email: ginny@go2h2o.com or visit the Billings CVC web site at: www.billingscvb.visitmt.com.