Lewis and Clark Camp at Slaughter River
40 mi. S of Big Sandy River on Missouri River, Big Sandy, MT Local significance of the site: Exploration/settlement; Science
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
A brief timeline of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
- 1803: President Thomas Jefferson commissions Meriwether Lewis, his personal secretary, to lead an expedition to explore the western territories of the United States and find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean.
- 1804: Lewis meets up with William Clark, a former army officer and experienced explorer, in Kentucky. They assemble a team of over 30 men and set out on the journey up the Missouri River.
- 1805: The expedition reaches the Rocky Mountains and crosses the Continental Divide. They build Fort Clatsop on the Pacific coast and spend the winter there, before returning east in the spring of 1806.
- 1806: Lewis and Clark split up to explore different routes on their way back to St. Louis. They reunite in September and return to civilization, where they are celebrated as national heroes.
- 1807: The Lewis and Clark Expedition publishes an official account of their journey, called the "History of the Expedition Under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark," which becomes a bestseller and helps to promote westward expansion.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Montana was the last state to raise its legal drinking age to 21, doing so in 1987 after a federal law was passed that required all states to have a minimum drinking age of 21 or risk losing federal highway funding.
About Chouteau County
Chouteau County Timeline
Chouteau County, located in the state of Montana, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area has long been inhabited by indigenous peoples such as the Blackfeet and Assiniboine tribes. These tribes lived off the land, utilizing the abundant wildlife and resources of the area.
In the early 19th century, European explorers, such as the famed Lewis and Clark expedition, made their way through what is now Chouteau County. Their exploration marked the beginning of westward expansion as settlers began trickling into the area.
The establishment of Fort Benton in the mid-19th century played a pivotal role in the county's history. It served as a hub for trade and transportation along the Missouri River, becoming one of the most significant frontier settlements. The arrival of the steamboat further facilitated commerce and communication with the outside world.
As more settlers arrived in Chouteau County, farming and ranching became prominent industries. The county's fertile soil and ample grazing land proved to be ideal for agriculture. Crops such as wheat, barley, and oats were grown, while cattle and sheep were raised.
Over the years, Chouteau County has faced various challenges, including economic downturns and natural disasters. However, the resilient spirit of its people has allowed the county to adapt and thrive. Today, Chouteau County remains a largely rural and agricultural region, with a strong sense of community and a deep appreciation for its storied past.
In the early 19th century, European explorers, such as the famed Lewis and Clark expedition, made their way through what is now Chouteau County. Their exploration marked the beginning of westward expansion as settlers began trickling into the area.
The establishment of Fort Benton in the mid-19th century played a pivotal role in the county's history. It served as a hub for trade and transportation along the Missouri River, becoming one of the most significant frontier settlements. The arrival of the steamboat further facilitated commerce and communication with the outside world.
As more settlers arrived in Chouteau County, farming and ranching became prominent industries. The county's fertile soil and ample grazing land proved to be ideal for agriculture. Crops such as wheat, barley, and oats were grown, while cattle and sheep were raised.
Over the years, Chouteau County has faced various challenges, including economic downturns and natural disasters. However, the resilient spirit of its people has allowed the county to adapt and thrive. Today, Chouteau County remains a largely rural and agricultural region, with a strong sense of community and a deep appreciation for its storied past.
Chouteau County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Chouteau County, Montana.
- 1864: Chouteau County was created by the Montana Territorial Legislature.
- 1865: Fort Benton became the county seat of Chouteau County.
- 1869: The first ranches were established in the county.
- 1870: The first irrigation ditches were built in the Sun River Valley.
- 1871: The first steamboat arrived at Fort Benton, boosting trade and transportation.
- 1884: The Montana Central Railway reached Fort Benton, improving transportation further.
- 1885: Chouteau County experienced a significant population growth due to railroad development.
- 1909: The county's first newspaper, the Chouteau County Democrat, was established.
- 1930s: Chouteau County was severely affected by the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl.
- 2019: Chouteau County remains a predominantly rural area with a focus on farming and agriculture.