GREAT FALLS, MT

Our next stop was Great Falls, MT.  Wow, what a difference in the lay of the land; from beautiful, huge snow-capped mountains and valleys to soft rolling hills with absolutely nothing.  Once in a while there was a farm with cattle and/or horses grazing.  Infrequently we saw some crops growing and saw our first snow-fence, but not much else to write home about.  There were many silos but not much of anything else in between these farms and very small towns.

We toured the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center.  After watching a half hour movie about their adventure by Ken Burns, we  ‘followed’ the expedition through exhibits which were wonderfully done.

From there we stopped at Black Eagle Dam and Power Plant to see and take pictures from a distance of the water fall.  In 1894 the dam was built to harness the water power.

The falls on the upper Missouri River were well known landmarks to the Plains Indians.  While Lewis was out scouting ahead and approached the Great Falls of the Missouri he heard the roar from a great distance away and described them as “the grandest sight I ever beheld."  Continuing on further he discovered another four falls.  The Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery (as they were called) must have been shocked to see something that beautiful and large.  It created a problem for them, having to make an eighteen mile, three week portage around the falls, dragging their canoes and cargo over difficult terrain.  The Great Falls of the Missouri was dammed in 1912.

Here is a video clip for your enjoyment.