kerch
Decision Point
A photo of the confluence of the Marias and Missouri rivers as seen from a bluff on the north shore. From a park service placard:
"Decision Point
The Lewis and Clark expedition camped at the junction of the Marias and the Missouri Rivers between June 2 - 12, 1805. The long stay allowed the group to rest and contemplate a dilemma. Which river flowed over the 'Great Falls' described by the Mandan Indians? Information provided by the Mandans the previous winter had been reliable to this point. But finding the Marias River was a surprise. The correct decision would lead the expedition to the best route across the Rockies. A wrong decision could strand them unprepared for a potentially deadly winter. Lewis led a small party up the Marias. Clark did the same along the Missouri, but turned around just short of the falls. Their decision was a judgment call. The Marias was swollen and muddy from spring runoff. The Missouri was clear with a rocky bed, characteristic of rivers recently emerging from the mountains. The captains were confident the Missouri was the correct route, and their decision was rewarded when the falls were discovered on June 13, 1805."
2008-07-19_17.47.10_MissouriBreaksNM
Decision Point
A photo of the confluence of the Marias and Missouri rivers as seen from a bluff on the north shore. From a park service placard:
"Decision Point
The Lewis and Clark expedition camped at the junction of the Marias and the Missouri Rivers between June 2 - 12, 1805. The long stay allowed the group to rest and contemplate a dilemma. Which river flowed over the 'Great Falls' described by the Mandan Indians? Information provided by the Mandans the previous winter had been reliable to this point. But finding the Marias River was a surprise. The correct decision would lead the expedition to the best route across the Rockies. A wrong decision could strand them unprepared for a potentially deadly winter. Lewis led a small party up the Marias. Clark did the same along the Missouri, but turned around just short of the falls. Their decision was a judgment call. The Marias was swollen and muddy from spring runoff. The Missouri was clear with a rocky bed, characteristic of rivers recently emerging from the mountains. The captains were confident the Missouri was the correct route, and their decision was rewarded when the falls were discovered on June 13, 1805."
2008-07-19_17.47.10_MissouriBreaksNM