Yorks Islands facts for kids
 Yorks Islands
Location in Montana
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Missouri River, Broadwater County, Montana |
| Coordinates | 46°15′45″N 111°29′28″W / 46.26250°N 111.49111°W |
| Highest elevation | 3,855 ft (1,175 m) |
The Yorks Islands are a group of islands located in the Missouri River in Broadwater County, Montana. They are about 4 miles south of Townsend, Montana, near U.S. Highway 287. These islands were named by the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. They were named after York, who was an enslaved companion of Captain William Clark. Today, you can visit the islands as part of a Montana Fishing Access site.
Contents
How Yorks Islands Got Their Name
The islands are named after York (around 1770-1831). He was Captain William Clark's enslaved companion and assistant. York traveled with Clark on the entire Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Pacific Ocean and back.
The expedition passed by these islands on July 24, 1805. While the name "Yorks 8 Islands" isn't in the daily journals, it appears on Clark's maps. He also listed it in his notes about "Creeks and Rivers." Clark's map for this area clearly shows "Yorks 8 Islands."
Beavers and Island Formation
On that same day, Meriwether Lewis wrote in his journal about how the islands might have formed. He noticed many beavers and otters. Beavers would build dams in the small channels between islands. This forced the river to create new paths.
When a channel was blocked, it would dry up and fill with mud, sand, and wood. Then, the beavers would move to a new spot. Lewis believed that beavers were very important in creating and changing the many islands in the river.
Naming Practices of the Expedition
The leaders of the expedition often named places after important people. This included the President and his cabinet members. For example, they named the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers. They also tried to name a feature after every member of their team. This even included Seaman, Lewis's Newfoundland dog.
Later, in 1806, on their way back, Clark named another place "York's Dry Creek" on the Yellowstone River. However, that name did not last. Today, it is known as "Custer Creek."
Official Name Recognition
Even though "Yorks 8 Islands" appeared on Clark's maps in 1805, the name wasn't officially recognized for a long time. In 2000, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names finally approved "Yorks Islands."
The Montana Board on Geographic Names also approved it. Now, the name is in the official national list of geographic names. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) uses "Yorks Islands." However, some people still call them "York's Islands" or just "York Island."
York's Islands Fishing Access Site
Today, the island group is part of the "York's Islands Fishing Access Site." The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department manages this site. It covers 22 acres along the east side of the Missouri River.
The site is about 4 miles south of Townsend, Montana, right off U.S. Highway 287. You will see a sign from the Montana Fish and Wildlife Department. The site offers a boat launch, picnic tables, and places to fish. There are also camping spots, including some for small trailers, and toilets. There is a small fee to use the site. Keep in mind, there is no water or other services available.
See also
In Spanish: Islas Yorks para niños
