I have been missing from blogland for about a month. The Hubster and I decided to live a little and take a road trip.
6738 miles worth of road trip according to our car’s odometer.
19 states not counting Washington (the place of origin).
We both love American history, and, since neither of us is a seasoned traveler, or an interstate truck driver, we decided to see as much of American history as we could in three weeks time.
I have been editing a bajillion photos, along with catching up on such things as yardwork and mail since coming home.
I still have a long way to go on photos, but I can share what I have with you.
The first stop, unplanned because we wanted to be flexible on our route, is the Missouri Headwaters State Park. We arrived on a lovely late afternoon after a full day of driving.
*Clicking on a photo will give you a closer look!
This is where Lewis and Clark stayed in 1805. The park encompasses the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers. Together, they merge to form the 2,300 mile Missouri River.
The Missouri Headwaters area was a geographical focal point important to early Native Americans, trappers, traders and settlers.
Lewis and Clark noted the area as being home to the Blackfeet Nation, as well as numerous grizzly bears. They also saw it as being of strategic importance to the United States government and recommended a fort be built along the river. It was at this location that the Hidatsa tribe captured Lewis and Clark’s native guide, Sacagewea.
The park is a beautiful and serene place in which to stretch your legs after driving all day!
Gallatin City was built by pioneers at the headwaters in Montana in 1862-63.
In 1864, President Lincoln declared Montana a Territory and Gallatin County, (one of nine Montana counties) named Gallatin City the county seat.
When Bozeman was voted the county seat in 1867 and the Northern Pacific Railroad was scheduled to by-pass Gallatin City, the town was gradually abandoned.
All that remains of the city is the frame of the hotel, shored up by beam supports.
I was aware of John Colter’s story, the first known mountain man, but he wasn’t ‘real’ to me until I came across this signboard at the headwaters.
So much better to be standing where he was standing to bring him alive to me.
Do you enjoy American history, or the history of your area? Do you get out and explore? I hope you do.
Keep smiling.
See the world around you!
LC's Cottage 
That is quite the life lived by John Colter!?! Interesting!!! I’m looking forward to hearing more about your trip!
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He was definitely an impressive personality and trail blazer! 🙂
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The description of the Missouri River (sometimes credited to Mark Twain) was ‘too thick to drink and too thin to plow.’
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It is a long river; I expect one’s point of view is from where one lives near it. 🙂 I have been to Hannibal, and Twain’s boyhood home, but it was a long time ago.
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We stopped at that confluence on a trip a few years ago, and it was a peaceful place. If you like Lewis & Clark history, I’d encourage you to listen to the book “Undaunted Courage” by Stephen Ambrose. The audiobook was great to listen to as we drove and stopped at many of the places mentioned in the book.
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Thank you, Wendy. I have that book…you are right, it is very good! I would also recommend it to those interested in this time period. 🙂
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Hi Laura! Oh, your post and pictures just gave me the chills this morning. I have been reading a history book along with my niece (she’s taking a class, and I like reading). She had to write a paper about Lewis & Clark, etc. Yes, it truly does mean so much more, standing in the spot where others have stood long ago. Having their thoughts and ideas in your head also bring them to life in a way. Thanks for sharing with us! You know how much I love your photos. I’m glad you had an enjoyable road trip with DH. Priceless time together. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne
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It was priceless time together, Roseanne. One is never too old too keep learning about each other. Ha, ha!
Traveling is a great way to keep history alive. I love to stand in the same spot and try to imagine what it was like back in the day. However, the battlefields were hard for that.
I think it is very cool that you are actively participating in learning history right along with your niece! 🙂
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That sounds like an amazing trip! Beautiful pictures of the Missouri Headwaters area. I enjoy learning more about our history through travel, too!
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Thank you, Diann! It was a great trip, and I have more to share! 🙂
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It was an amazing trip and so glad we are on this journey together!!!
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That’s a lot of miles! Looking forward to hearing about all you saw.
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A lot of miles and lots to see! Also, an overwhelming amount of photos to edit. 🙂
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Next time we visit Em and Paul, we need to stop here! Very cool, Laura!
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It is a great picnic spot, Kathy! 🙂
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Way to go, road trippers!
🙂
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Amen to that! 🙂
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I love history, especially when you can see it! Looks like the start of a GREAT trip!
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I love history, too, Connie, and this is indeed the best way to see it if one can! I am often intrigued by some of your photos…I wonder about the history of your town buildings. Some of those are very cool! 🙂
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Welcome home 🙂 Looking forward to traveling the country via your blog. For now our traveling is over. Always enjoy the photo’s and all the info with them. (thinking of all the family fun once NC was reached)
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Thank you, Sharon! Our traveling is over for now, too, and I am ok with that. There is much to catch up on now. Does one ever really ‘catch up’? 🙂
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Ooo! I’m finally beginning my big catch up of blog reading. I’ve been seeing the headlines on your posts and been intrigued to know what you’ve been up to! Now I’ve got to the start of your road trip records. I will need to refer to maps and wikapedia to fill in the gaping holes in my knowledge of American geography and history 🙂
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Hi Allison! Hey Girl…I also consult maps and Wikipedia, not only for my own country’s geography and history, but for the UK and Australia and whoever else’s blog that I am reading. You are not alone with those gaping holes! 🙂
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