Pompeys Pillar National Monument

How to Get There

From Billings (29 miles): Get on I-90 E in Lockwood from 1st Ave N and I-90BL E. Take I-94 E to Fly Creek Rd. Take exit 23 from I-94 E. Drive to Hwy 312.

Overview

Pompeys Pillar National Monument is a rock formation located in south central Montana. Designated a National Monument on January 17, 2001, and managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, it consists of only 51 acres (21 ha), making it one of the smallest National Monuments in the U.S.

It was previously designated a National Historic Landmark on July 25, 1965. The new Pompeys Pillar Interpretive Center opened in 2006. Exhibits in the 5,700-square foot center relate the journey of Captain William Clark and his detachment, including Sacagawea and her son Pomp, down the Yellowstone River Valley in 1806.

The pillar itself stands 150 feet (45 m) above the Yellowstone River and consists of sandstone from the late Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation, 75 - 66 million years ago. The base of the pillar is approximately 1 acre (0.4 ha).

The pillar features an abundance of Native American petroglyphs, as well as the signature of William Clark, co-leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Clark's inscription is the only remaining physical evidence found along the route that was followed by the expedition.

The inscription consists of his signature and the date, July 25, 1806. Clark wrote that he climbed the sandstone pillar and "had a most extensive view in every direction on the Northerly Side of the river". He named the outcropping after Jean Baptiste Charbonneau—the son of expedition member Sacagawea—whom he nicknamed "Pompey". His original name for it was "Pompey's Tower"; it was changed to the current title in 1814.

Situated 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Billings, Montana, along Interstate 94, the pillar gets 50,000 visitors annually. Archeological evidence suggests that the outcropping has been witness to 11,000 years of human involvement in the area. Consequently, in addition to the pictographs and the signature of William Clark, hundreds of other people have carved their initials into the rock, including early pioneers to the area.

Things to Do

Visit the Only Remaining On-Site Evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

Pompeys Pillar National Monument is one of Montana's most important historic landmarks. Located along the Yellowstone River east of Billings, the monument preserves William Clark's famous signature carved into a massive sandstone pillar in 1806 during the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It is the only remaining on-site physical evidence associated with the expedition.

Climb to the Top of Pompeys Pillar

A boardwalk leads visitors up the sandstone formation to view Clark's historic inscription, Native American rock art, and hundreds of other historic carvings. The boardwalk continues to the summit, where visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the Yellowstone River Valley and surrounding Montana landscape.

Explore the Interpretive Center

The Pompeys Pillar Interpretive Center offers exhibits covering the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Native cultures, regional wildlife, local history, and the significance of the Yellowstone River corridor. Visitors can also view artwork, historical displays, and educational exhibits related to the area's cultural heritage.

Discover Native American History

Long before Lewis and Clark arrived, Pompeys Pillar served as an important landmark for Indigenous peoples. Petroglyphs, pictographs, archaeological evidence, and oral traditions demonstrate the monument's cultural significance as a place of travel, gathering, and spiritual importance.

Enjoy the Yellowstone River Setting

The monument sits adjacent to the Yellowstone River and features picnic areas, grassy lawns, mature cottonwood trees, and scenic views. Visitors can relax, enjoy a picnic, and appreciate the same landscape encountered by generations of travelers.

Learn About Frontier and Settlement History

Throughout the nineteenth century, fur trappers, military expeditions, settlers, and railroad crews used Pompeys Pillar as a landmark and registry of their passage through the Yellowstone Valley. The site's many inscriptions tell the story of westward expansion across Montana.

Enjoy Photography and Wildlife Viewing

The monument provides excellent opportunities for photography, birdwatching, and wildlife observation. Views of the Yellowstone River, sandstone formations, cottonwood groves, and big-sky landscapes make it a favorite stop for nature enthusiasts.

Top Trails

Pompeys Pillar Boardwalk Trail

Length: Approximately 1,000 feet
Elevation Gain: Approximately 120 feet
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

The monument's signature trail follows a wooden boardwalk to Clark's historic signature and continues to the top of the pillar. The route includes approximately 200 steps and provides outstanding views of the Yellowstone River Valley.

Interpretive Grounds Trail

Length: Short walking paths
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

Paved walkways around the visitor center connect exhibits, picnic areas, interpretive displays, and riverside viewpoints. These accessible paths provide a relaxed introduction to the monument and its history.

Yellowstone River Viewing Area

Length: Short walking route
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

Visitors can explore the riverside grounds and enjoy views of the Yellowstone River. The area is ideal for photography, birdwatching, picnicking, and experiencing the landscape that played an important role in regional history.

Monument Grounds Exploration Route

Length: Varies
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

Combining the boardwalk, interpretive center, and surrounding grounds creates a complete visitor experience that highlights the monument's natural, historical, and cultural significance.

Sources: Bureau of Land Management official Pompeys Pillar National Monument information covering visitor activities, the boardwalk trail, interpretive center, Yellowstone River grounds, Clark's signature, Native American history, and visitor facilities. Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Bureau of Land Management

National Park Service information regarding the significance of Pompeys Pillar as part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the only remaining on-site physical evidence of the expedition. Pompeys Pillar National Monument - National Park Service

Additional visitor information covering the boardwalk, interpretive center, day-use areas, accessibility, and monument history. Friends of Pompeys Pillar - Visiting the Pillar

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Pompeys Pillar National Monument", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0