Beaverhead Rock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Beaverhead Rock-Lewis and Clark Expedition
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Overland Trail bridge across Beaverhead River, with Beaverhead Rock—"Point of Rocks" in background (1871).
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 Location in Montana
Location in the United States
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| Location | Madison County, Montana |
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| Nearest city | Dillon, Montana |
| Built | 1805 (expedition) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000359 |
| Added to NRHP | February 11, 1970 |
Beaverhead Rock, also called Point of Rocks, is a special rock formation in Montana. It looks over the Beaverhead River and is part of the Beaverhead Rock State Park. This important landmark is found on Montana State Highway 41, about 12 miles south of Twin Bridges in Madison County. It became a protected historical site in 1970, added to the National Register of Historic Places. You can see and take pictures of Beaverhead Rock from a distance, but you cannot go right up to it.
A Famous Landmark
Beaverhead Rock became famous in 1805 during the Lewis and Clark Expedition. A young Shoshone woman named Sacagawea was guiding the explorers. She recognized this rock as a very important sign. It meant they were close to where her own people, the Shoshone, spent their summers.
Sacagawea's Discovery
Sacagawea told Meriwether Lewis and William Clark that the rock looked like a beaver's head. This is how it got its name. Her knowledge was super important for the expedition. The explorers needed to find the Shoshone people. They hoped to get horses from them to cross the mountains.
Lewis's Journal Entry
Lewis wrote about this moment in his journal. He explained how Sacagawea pointed out the "Beaver's Head." She said it was near her nation's summer home. This meant they were getting closer to their goal. Finding the Shoshone was key to continuing their journey west. Without horses, they would have to leave many supplies behind.
Visiting Beaverhead Rock
Today, Beaverhead Rock is a state park. It is protected because of its history and natural beauty. While you cannot climb on the rock, you can view it from the highway. It offers a great chance to imagine the journey of Lewis and Clark. You can also think about Sacagawea's amazing guidance.
