For more information contact Rhonda Harms, Director Billings CVC
Phone: 406-245-4111 • Toll Free: 800-711-2630 • Fax: 406-245-7333
E-mail: blgscvb@wtp.net

For press information contact Ginny Jensen, H2O Advertising
Phone: 406-259-4546 • Fax 406-259-3119 • E-mail: ginny@go2h2o.com


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE
LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION


Pompey's Pillar — Click to see larger image and download options

BILLINGS, MONTANA---February 5, 2001---An historic experience awaits travelers on their next visit to Billings, Mont. Located only 28 miles from the city is the only remaining physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition--Clark’s signature carved into a sandstone bluff.

President Thomas Jefferson sent the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase in 1804. Two years later, on his return trip from the Pacific Ocean, William Clark traveled through Billings and stopped at a tall bluff emerging from the Yellowstone River. On the side of this 200 foot sandstone cliff, Clark marked his name and the day of the month and year. His signature is still visible today, almost 200 years later, and remains the only physical evidence along the trail of this epic journey.

“...a remarkable rock on the Starb. side of the
river and 250 paces from it. This rock I ascended
and from its top had the most extensive view in
every direction. The rock which I shall call
Pompey's Tower is 200 feet high and 400 paces in
secumpherance...The nativs have ingraved on the
face of this rock the figures of animals etc. near
which I marked my name and day of month and year..."
William Clark, July 25, 1806

This National Historic Landmark is administered by the Bureau of Land Management and is open May through October, 8am to 8pm. The site is also open to walk-in visitors October 1 to Memorial Day weekend. Volunteers from Pompeys Pillar Historical Association staff the visitor center throughout the summer months, and are a wealth of information to visitors stopping by. Bureau of Land Management staff are also available to provide information for visitors.

In addition to visiting the signature, there is a trail through the land in which visitors can enjoy bird watching. There are over 190 bird species in and around the Pillar. The wide variety of trees, shrubs and plants in the area are also interesting for visitors to see.

Each year on the weekend nearest Clark’s visit to the area, Pompeys Pillar Historical Association hosts Clark Day. This year, the event will take place July 28-29 begins with an evening campfire program and open camping on the land. The big celebration is the next day with interpretive stations, reenactments, a morning bird walk and pancake feed, buffalo burger lunch and Yellowstone River boat float. All activities for Clark Day are open to the public and provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about this significant expedition.

Billings also offers visitors a variety of modern accommodations with the Old West hospitality you’d expect while visiting Big Sky Country. While in Billings, the historic traveler will also want to stop by the Yellowstone Art Museum, Moss Mansion and the Peter Yegen, Jr. Yellowstone County Museum for a glimpse into the history of the area. William Clark thought it was important to leave his mark on Billings, don’t miss the opportunity for Billings to leave its mark on you.

For additional information on Billings, Montana, Pompey's Pillar and Clark, Day, please contact Ginny Jensen at 406-259-4546 or e-mail ginny@go2h2o.com or visit our web site at http://billingscvb.visitmt.com.

 

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