Historic Graffiti

What is Pompey’s Pillar National Monument? It is the only place you can be assured to stand in the footsteps of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Clark carved his name in the rock…I guess you could call it historical graffiti. This carving is the only remaining physical evidence of Lewis and Clark’s Expedition still around today. They’ve taken measures to protect it because there are tons of other names carved into the rocks around it, but you can clearly see his name under the glass.

Clark named the pillar “Pomp’s Pillar” using his nickname for Sacagawea’s son.

You can walk all the way up to the top using the 200 or so stairs. It’s worth it.

The view is great and there are benches up there you can use to rest up for the trip down if you need to. The little boys utilized the benches to work on their Junior Ranger Field Guides. You can also see our tour guide to the left of the picture.

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and volunteered to take a picture of all of us.

He also pointed out a family of marmots

and showed us a rock that looks like a mountain lion!

There was a short, paved walk way that went down by the Yellowstone River. It was a nice leisurely stroll with some educational signs along the way.

We spent some time in the museum learning about the Lewis and Clark trail and some of the hardships they endured. There were replicas of boats they made and some rawhide clothing the boys could try on.

The visit didn’t take long and it was very educational for all of us. It was well worth the small entry fee.

See y’all down the road!