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Crossing the Great Divide

Lewis Reaches the Continental Divide and Enters Idaho
 

On August 9, 1805, Captain Meriwether Lewis and three members of the Corps—George Drouillard, John Shields, and Hugh McNeal—set out ahead of the main party in a final push to find Sacagawea’s people, the Shoshone. Traveling along a well-worn Indian trail, they passed through a rugged range of the Rocky Mountains. Just three days later, they crossed the Continental Divide at Lemhi Pass, entering present-day Idaho.

From the top of the pass, Lewis gazed out over the vast, snow-streaked peaks still ahead:

“We proceeded on to the top of the dividing ridge from which I discovered immense ranges of high mountains still to the West of us with their tops partially covered with snow.”

This moment marked not just a symbolic crossing of the continent’s spine—it brought the Corps of Discovery into Shoshone territory and one step closer to the horses they desperately needed to continue west.


Expedition Timeline: In Search of Sacagawea’s People

August 8–14, 1805
 

August 8, 1805-Sacagawea Recognizes Her Homeland

“The Indian woman recognized the point of a high plain... she informed us it was near her people’s summer retreat.” —Lewis
🔺 The landmark she recognized was Beaverhead Rock, near present-day Twin Bridges, Montana.
 

August 10, 1805-Following the Indian Road

“We fell in with a plain Indian road... From the number of rattlesnakes, we called them the Rattlesnake Cliffs.” —Lewis
The party passed through the fourth range of the Rockies as they entered Lemhi Valley.
 

August 11, 1805-A Missed Connection

“I discovered... he was a Shoshone. I made the signal of friendship... called out ‘tab-ba-bone’ (white man)... but he disappeared into the willows in an instant.” —Lewis
🏇 Hope of an early meeting faded when the Shoshone rider vanished.
 

August 12, 1805 -Crossing the Continental Divide

“After searching around the base of the mountains, we crossed the dividing ridge... and encamped.” —Lewis
🗻 Lemhi Pass marked their official entry into present-day Idaho.
 

August 13, 1805-First Contact with the Shoshone

“We were all carresed and besmeared with their grease and paint till I was heartily tired of the national hug.” —Lewis
🎉 Friendly contact was finally made—Sacagawea’s people had been found.
“Passed the mouth of a bold running stream below limestone cliffs...” —Clark
Likely referencing today’s Agency Creek in Lemhi County.
 

August 14, 1805-Gathering Intelligence

“I concluded to spend the day at the Shoshone camp and obtain what information I could with respect to the country.” —Lewis
⛺ While Lewis rested, Clark and the main party continued toward the Jefferson Fork.

📍 Plan your Visit

Historical connections and overlook the Lemhi Pass from your Lewis and Clark Backcountry Byway drive.

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Travelers' Stories

"My family traveled west by car from St. Louis, Missouri  to Great Fall,Montana."

 

"We never knew history could come alive in such a fascinating way. The Lewis and Clark Trail journey was a perfect blend of education and adventure, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for our past.”

Doug M.

"As the boat swung around, the mountains looked like they moved apart and opened up, and when we passed through they seemed to close (or shut) behind us."

" Meriwether Lewis from the same spot beheld this phenomenon and journaled, "from the singular appearance of this place I called it The Gates of The Rocky Mountains."

Mary B.

"From a bluff high above the Missouri River I could see the Lewis and Clark Expedition campsite of May 30, 1805 near Pablo Island."
"Lewis writes about the beauty of the place: "The hills and river Clifts which we passed today exhibit a most romantic appearance."

"I could not agree more."

Dawn C. 

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