Heading east on the I 90 at 75 miles an hour it is easy to miss this National Monument. About thirty minutes east of Billings, Montana a nondescript sign appears announcing Pompeys Pillar. All we knew about Pompeys Pillar was that it is a sandstone rock formation near the Yellowstone River and is some how connected with the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
However, it turns out that Pompeys Pillar is much more than a mere sandstone sculpture. It brings alive the history of the region. It is all too easy to forget about those who came before us, paving the way for the conveniences of the modern lifestyle we all enjoy.
One signature carved into this sandstone sculpture reminds us of an epic journey that occurred a few hundred years ago. Captain William Clark of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition passed this way on his return trip from the Pacific coast in 1806. At that time this area was wild, unexplored and uncharted. Clark was following the Yellowstone River with his entourage and on July 25, 1806 he discovered this rock formation standing by itself and rising 150 feet above the surrounding landscape. Clark was impressed by this feature and documented it in his journals. He named the formation Pompy’s Tower. When the Lewis and Clark journals were published a few years later it was renamed Pompeys Pillar.
Today, the National Monument is an oasis in this otherwise dry landscape. The sandstone formation is located near the Yellowstone River and is close to Interstate 90. An abundance of Cottonwood trees provide welcome shade and greenery. The native plants, shrubs and flowers offered needed resources and sustenance to the settlers of this area. It is easy to see why this place was attractive and important to the explorers and aboriginal people of the day.
Pompeys Pillar rises abruptly above the flat plains and its presence is immediately felt in its sheer sandstone cliffs. A wooden staircase leads to the top of the formation. On the way to the top there is a viewing platform where Clark signed his name in the stone and dated it July 25, 1806. Other signatures from the 1800s appear as well as some evidence of aboriginal drawings. One cannot help but feel a sense of wonder and connection to this explorer who left his mark. Even more remarkable is that Clark’s signature in this spot is the only physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition along the entire Lewis and Clark Trail.
The view from the top of Pompeys Pillar provides a 360 degree panoramic view of the plains, Yellowstone River and the mountains and hills in the distance. It is easy to see why Clark described the view as remarkable. Although modern society and “progress” has changed the area, it is remarkable that the view remains much the same as what Clark would have seen in 1806.
Viewing Clark’s signature was a moving experience not so much for the sake of the signature but as a reflection from an explorer who found something remarkable and beautiful about this place. Climbing to the top of the Pillar, the view remains beautiful and that sense of wonder and remarkableness comes alive. Here on Pompey’s Pillar we felt a connection to the past and we were able to take in the spectacular scenery that Clark discovered. We were grateful for having the oportunity to stop at Pompeys Pillar and we are reminded that each day holds its own discoveries.
Namaskar
Captain William Clark's Signature, evidence of his visit to Pompeys Pillar
No comments:
Post a Comment