On July 4, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition celebrated Independence Day near what is now Great Falls, Montana, during their westward journey. They had just finished the difficult portage around the Great Falls of the “Missouri River” — a grueling task that took them nearly a month due to the massive waterfalls and rugged terrain. On July 4, they paused to celebrate the 29th anniversary of American independence.

The Corps marked the occasion by firing the air gun (used to impress Native tribes), enjoying extra rations, and naming a nearby creek “Independence Creek” to commemorate the day. 📍

Location Note: This celebration happened close to modern-day Great Falls, Montana, a key location on their route due to the series of five waterfalls on the Missouri River.

🏞️ Why it Matters:

It was one of the few documented celebratory moments during a very physically demanding stretch of the journey. It symbolized their national pride and mission as representatives of the United States, charting the newly acquired Louisiana Territory.