The Missouri (and the Marias) Near Ft. Benton, Montana
Here, at Decision Point, north of Ft Benton, MT, the Marias River (hidden to the left of the small island in mid-River) flows into the Missouri. At this confluence, Lewis and Clark had to make a most difficult and fateful decision: Which was the real Missouri? (At that time, due to the season and other factors, the rivers were very similar in appearance.) The entire crew believed what we now call the Marias to be the Missouri. Only Lewis and Clark believed otherwise. A wrong choice here would have re-written history! (For more history on the Corps’ momentous choice, see DecisionPoint.) (For some random shots of Ft Benton, see FtBentonMT.)
We will see this site (as well as Fort Benton) in person, on our Tour to Montana River Country in late Summer 2019!! Plan to join us! See the Note below, beneath the Wild Cards.