Lewis and Clark Rendezvous
(08/07/05

The day of celebration will begin at 11:00 with a Lewis and Clark themed parade on the Beaverhead River followed by an American Legion fag raising ceremony using a replica of the Star Spangles Banner that flew in 1805 during the expedition. Throughout the day the Lewis and Clark Honor Guard will reenact the activities of the Corp of Discovery and the Bureau of Land Management's Circle of Culture will offer displays, speakers and hands-on activities for kids. The event will also include a buffalo barbeque, a Native American presentation, a tug-of-war across the river, kids' games and competitions and self-guided tours of the Madison County Lewis and Clark Interpretive Park.

The park offer the public insight into the five days the Corps spent in this area. In August 1805, The Corps of Discovery under Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark traveled up the Jefferson River to the confluences of four rivers, the Jefferson, Beaverhead (Philosophy), Big Hole (Wisdom), and Ruby (Philanthropy) near present day Twin Bridges.

The focal point of the park is a 6-foot bronze statue of Sacajawea, her son Pomp and Lewis' Newfoundland dog, Seaman. The importance of the Indian girl is pronounced during this portion of the journey. Just south of Twin Bridges Sacajawea recognized this area as her Shoshone homeland and the fortunate meeting with her tribe and brother gave Lewis and Clark the necessary horses to assure the successful crossing of the continental divide before winter.

The park has received the status of being an 'officially certified site' on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail by the National Park Service and includes interpretive signs expounding on the importance of the decisions the Corps had to make at this juncture, the difficulties they encountered, as well as a partially constructed dugout canoe, a symbolic teepee in honor of the Native American contribution to the expedition, and an animal tracks hands-on display for the kids.

Please join us on August 7th for a very special small town Lewis and Clark bicentennial celebration

Directions: Lewis and Clark Rendezvous will take place at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Twin Bridges. The site is directly off and visible from Highway 41 which intersects Highway 287 in Twin Bridges.

Lewis and Clark Rendezvous
3741 Highway 287, Sheridan, MT 59749

Activities American Heritage Auction Barbecue Camping Childrens Activities Cultural Entertainment Education Exhibit Food & Drink Heritage Historic Lewis and Clark Nature Outdoor Activity Parade Picnicking Storytelling Tent Camping Walking Services Beer/wine Childrens Activities Educational Programs Food Services Handicapped Accessible Information Instruction Interpreter Interpretive Display Parking Public Restroom Trail Unescorted Tour Water

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