Beaverhead Rock (Vertical)

Beaverhead Rock near Dillon Montana on a clear alpine glow fall evening. This rock feature was a critical landmark during the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
From the National Park Service: “Sacagawea, a young woman who grew up among the Shoshone, had joined the Corps of Discovery along with her husband and baby. Sacagawea began to recognize features on the landscape as the group approached the land of the Shoshone. In late July 1805, Meriwether Lewis recorded that “The Indian woman recognizes the country and assures us that this is the river on which her relations live … this piece of information has cheered the sprits of the party…” On August 8, Sacagawea saw Beaverhead Rock and at last knew she was home. According to Lewis, "this hill she says her nation calls the beaver's head from a conceived remblance of it's figure to the head of that animal. She assures us that we shall find her people on this river or on the river immediately west of its source; which from its present size cannot be very distant." Indeed, a few days later the Corps found the Shoshone. By recognizing Beaverhead Rock and helping to direct the explorers to her people, Sacagawea proved herself critical to the success of the journey to the Pacific Ocean. Beaverhead Rock is now part of the Montana State Parks system.”