Pompeys Pillar National Monument

25 miles east of Billings, Montana lies the historical Pompey's Pillar National Monument. The monument features the signature of William Clark, the only remaining physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition along the route. He carved into the stone on July 25, 1806 on his return trip to America. Clark named the butte after Sacajawea's son Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, whom he had nicknamed 'Pompy'. The pillar rises 150 feet above the Yellowstone River with the base reaching approximately 1 acre. Archaeologist have found evidence suggesting that the mesa has been witness to 11,000 years of human activity. This ancient landmark was known to the Native Americans as “the place where the mountain lion lies”. Along with Clark's autograph you can find many Native American petroglyphs and hundreds of other initials craved into the stone from the early pioneers and others. The historical association host “Clark Days ” filled with food, entertainment and activities for the whole family.