Ross' Hole facts for kids
Ross' Hole is a special valley in Ravalli County, Montana. You can find it in the Sula State Forest, right by U.S. Route 93, near the small town of Sula, Montana. The local Salish people have their own names for it, like "K͏ʷtíɫ P̓upƛ̓m̓," which means "big open or big clear area."
This valley got its name from a fur trader named Alexander Ross. He was in charge of a group of trappers from the Hudson's Bay Company. Ross and his team camped here in 1824. Trappers used the word "hole" to describe a wide, flat valley surrounded by mountains.
Ross' Hole is also famous because it's featured in a well-known painting. The painting is called "Lewis and Clark Meeting the Flathead Indians at Ross' Hole." It hangs in the Montana House of Representatives Chamber, which is part of the state government building.
What Does Ross' Hole Look Like?
This valley is surrounded by hills and mountains. Its shape looks a bit like a Christmas tree. The widest part, about 4 miles across, is at the south end. From there, it stretches north for about 8 miles, getting narrower as it goes.
Today, Ross' Hole still looks much like it did a long time ago. There is the small community of Sula and a few ranch houses. U.S. Route 93 runs along the southwest side of the valley. This is the same area where the Lewis and Clark Expedition met the Flathead Indians.
Lewis and Clark's Visits
The famous explorers Lewis and Clark visited Ross' Hole twice. Their first visit was on September 4, 1805. They were traveling west and found a village of Flathead Indians. This meeting happened in the southwest corner of Ross' Hole. It was near where Camp Creek meets the east fork of the Bitterroot River.
Lewis and Clark stayed with the friendly Flathead tribe for two days. They really needed horses for their journey. The Flathead people helped them by providing these important animals.
Years later, in 1912, the State of Montana asked artist Charles M. Russell to paint this important meeting. The huge painting is 12 feet tall and 26 feet wide. You can see it behind the Speaker's desk in the Montana State Capitol building.
On their way back from the Pacific Ocean, the group led by Clark stopped at Ross' Hole again. They camped there on the night of July 5–6, 1806.
