Signature Day at Pompeys Pillar National Monument

John Reffit, Monument Manager
All photos credit Sheldon Begay, PPNM Intern (Salish Kootenai College)

On July 25, exactly 212 years after William Clark carved his name in the sandstone of Pompeys Pillar, a host of modern day explorers gathered at the site to commemorate the event.

“This is Signature Day,” said John Reffit, Pompeys Pillar National Monument Manager, “our tribute to William Clark and the Corps of Discovery’s visit to this area.”

Among the day’s events was a special living history interpretive program by Kalman Tinka IV, volunteer interpreter and Vice President of the Friends of Pompeys Pillar.

Kalman's presentation described some of the hardships that the Corps of Discovery faced and how they adapted. Mosquitos were ferocious. The journals document the group fending them off and how Seaman, Clark’s dog, howled at their ferocious bites.  

Kalman also demonstrated the numerous steps required to fire a black powder rifle – a painstaking procedure without distractions, but even more so while being chased by a large bear. Kalman told the story of how it took Expedition members Captain William Clark and George Droulliard ten shots to bring down an enormous grizzly bear.

Mike Lamphier, also a volunteer interpreter and board member of the Friends of Pompeys Pillar, discussed the weapons used by the Corps of Discovery.

Seasonal Ranger Alexander Johnson gave a brief talk about the information featured on the newly unveiled interpretive sign courtesy of the National Park Service, Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System and the 40th Anniversary of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.