P a g e 4 G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y o f M o n t a n a N e w s l e t t e r Lemhi Pass, at 7,373 ft. above sea level, is a narrow gap in the formidable mountains of the Bitterroot Range, the backbone of North America- the Continental Divide. It has always served as a passageway for people moving through the mountains in this region. Many stories unfold at Lemhi Pass. Here, on August 12, 1805, Meriwether Lewis, George Drouillard, Hugh McNeal, and John Shields reached the most distant fountain of the mighty Missouri, accomplishing a key mission of the Corps of Discovery, to explore the Missouri River to its headwaters. From the Continental Divide, they beheld immense ranges of high mountains still to the west, a view that foretold a difficult journey ahead. Pressing on to the west, they first tasted waters flowing to the Columbia River. Photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz Five more times, members of the expedition and the Shoshone Indians that came to their aid crossed Lemhi Pass- the last time on August 26, 1805. Lewis collected a plant at the head spring of the Missouri that was new to scientists of the day- Mimulus lewisii, Lewis' red monkey-flower. Just west of the pass, a baby was born to a Shoshone woman who was helping pack the expedition's gear. Other stories of Lemhi Pass include Indian battles, trappers, gold rush stagecoaches, and the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1932 Sacajawea Memorial Area was established at Lemhi Pass to honor the young Shoshone woman who played an important role as interpreter, guide, and counselor to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In 1960 Lemhi Pass was designated a National Historic Landmark. The landmark is a high point on the 3,700 mile Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which intersects the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail at Lemhi Pass. Photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz The scene of countless brief episodes in people's lives- remembered, forgotten and yet to come- Lemhi Pass is more than a passage through the mountains. The National Historic Landmark affords a passageway through time, where visitors can reflect on a broad scope of history in the natural landscape of the Rocky Mountains.- Courtesy of USDA Forest Service Photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz Photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz Photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz
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