July 22, 2006 to July 25, 2006
Location: Billings Montana
Schedule of Events | Program-Schedule (3.2MB)
Nearly 200 years ago on July 3, 1806, Captains William Clark and Meriwether Lewis divided the expedition. Lewis would travel north to discover the headwaters of the Marias River, while Clark and his party would head south to explore the Yellowstone.
At the point where the Yellowstone Valley begins to unfold at the river's Great Bend near Livingston. so does the story of "Clark on the Yellowstone." Captain Clark, his party of 13, along with the horses, began their journey down the river to discover an incredible rich fertile land. Local historians affectionately call it "Clark's Serengeti" because of the tremendous amounts of wildlife Clark continuously described in his journal.
A natural landmark bears witness of this journey. Managed by the BLM and just 28 miles east of Billings, it is known today as Pompeys Pillar National Monument. On July 25th, 1806, William Clark carved his name and the date on the sandstone bluff he named Pomp's Tower. He recorded the event in his journal and the winds of time have not erased it. The Native Americans had already known this landmark for years, "as the place where the mountain lion lies." Clark's signature was not the first, but, today it serves as the only remaining physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as it would have been seen on the trail nearly 200 years ago. With Clark's personal autograph, it seems fitting that Pompeys Pillar should host a "Signature" Event in July of 2006.
You're invited to relive Clark's journey into the beautiful Yellowstone River Valley July 22 - 25, 2006, where even today, 200 years after the expedition has come and gone, the skies are just as blue, the prairie just as big, the winds still blow through untamed cottonwoods and the river is still free.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
ADMISSION IS FREE TO ALL EVENTS
Community Kickoff in Downtown Billings, Montana
FRIDAY, JULY 21
| 4 pm to 10 pm |
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Taste of the Trail Community Kickoff in Downtown Billings
- Black Powder Shotgun Chili Cookoff
- Beer and Wine Tasting
- Ice Cream Social
- Military Jazz Band
- Rob Quist and Great Northern Band play for Street Dance
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Special Programming
"CLARK ON THE YELLOWSTONE" NATIONAL SIGNATURE EVENT at Pompeys Pillar National Monument, located along the Yellowstone River, 28 miles east of downtown Billings, Montana
SATURDAY, JULY 22
| 10 am |
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Dedication of Interpretive Center
Program by Pompeys Pillar Historical Association and Bureau of Land Management
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| Noon |
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Opening Ceremonies - large stage area
- Military Band
- Presentation of Tribal Flags
- Adjutant General
- Tribal Blessing
- 21 Gun Artillery Salute
- Blackhawk Helicopter and F-16 Flyover
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SUNDAY, JULY 23
| 2 pm - 4 pm |
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"Set in Stone: The Legacy of William Clark" Symposium
Moderated by Stephenie Ambrose Tubbs. Includes Clark biographers James J. Holmberg, William E. Foley, Landon Y. Jones, and Jay H. Buckley. |
| 4:30 pm to 6 pm |
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Odyssey West Concert
Performed by Rob Quist and Jack Gladstone |
MONDAY, JULY 24
| Time to be determined |
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Symposium featuring Native American Speakers |
TUESDAY, JULY 25
200th Anniversary of Captain William Clark's signing his name on the Pillar
| 10 am - 2 pm |
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National Day of Honor Ceremonies
This National Day of Honor acknowledges the clash of cultures and conflicts that marked the opening of the West following the expedition's return and recognizes the contributions of the American Indians to the Expedition's success. Highlights include:
- Keynote Address
- Pipe Ceremony
- Crow Indian Parade
- Gift Exchange
- American Indian drumming and dancing
- Participation by representatives of all cultures
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| Time to be determined |
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Closing Ceremonies--large stage area
- Dedication of Clark bust and recognition of Bud Clark
- Veteran Tribute to local soldiers who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq
- Special Ceremony to recognize all veterans present with a commemorative coin presented by Montana's Adjutant General
- Reenactment of Captain Clark carving his name on the pillar and river departure
- Handoff to "Reunion of Sakakawea" Signature Event
- Retirement of Colors
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Ongoing Programs and Activities
"CLARK ON THE YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL SIGNATURE EVENT at Pompeys Pillar National Monument
JULY 22, 23, 24 and 25
| 10 am - 6 pm |
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Various programs and historical interpretations at the following venues:
- New Pompeys Pillar National Monument Interpretative Center
- Corps II and Tent of Many Voices sponsored by National Park Service
- Living History Mall presented by the US Army Corps of Engineers
- Native American Encampments presented by Montana Tribal Tourism Alliance and Crow Indian Nation
- Exhibits sponsored by Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Fish Wildlife and Parks, U.S. Fish Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, US Department of Agriculture,US Army Corps of Engineers, Circle of Tribal Advisors, National Bicentennial Council
- Ongoing interpretive presentations in several areas
- Professional re-enactors portraying Clark, Sacagewa and York
- Old-time bluegrass and folk music played by nine area bands at the music stage
Stephen Ambrose Authors Rendezvous
Stephenie Ambrose Tubbs, daughter of the late Stephen Ambrose, will co-hosts the Rendezvous Tent which features local, regional and national Lewis and Clark and Native American authors and historians to talk about, autograph and sell their books.
Discovery Expedition
The official re-enactors for the waterway portion of the national Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commemoration will include Bud Clark, great, great grandson of William Clark.
Vendors
- MTTA Seven Lodges Arts and Craft Market
- Lewis and Clark Bicentennial vendors
- Local Lewis and Clark Craftsman
- Food Vendors
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More Events »
For accommodation information click here.
For more information about Billings please call 1-800-735-2635.
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