Lewis & Clark Rested Here

When the Corps of Discovery traversed the plains and mountains of Montana, little did they dream that 200 years later archaeologists would be looking for evidence of their latrine to determine where they had camped out. But that is just what archaeologist Dan Hall and a research team did, beginning in 1994 at the Travelers’ Rest site near Lolo. Hall’s project involved 10 years of research, based upon the theory that vapor analysis would reveal traces of mercury in the soil -- remnants of laxatives known as Dr. Rush's Thunder Clappers used by the Lewis & Clark expedition to treat their ailments. Because the pills were 60 percent mercury, which does not decompose, the element would remain in the soil long after the explorer’s had come and gone.

When research was conducted in the late 1990s, traces of mercury were indeed located indicating that the site of Travelers Rest NHL was actually further to the north and across the river from the place that for years was designated the Travelers’ Rest site, now a state park. This intriguing archaeological evidence was presented to the NPS landmarks and advisory committees, as the basis for a boundary expansion. The committees were pleased to make the adjustments, noting that Travelers’ Rest becomes just the second place (in addition to William Clark’s inscription) where the exact location of expeditions activities can be pinpointed. The expansion of the Travelers’ Rest NHL will become official following approval by Interior Secretary Gayle Norton.

As Landmarks Committee chair, Dr. Larry E. Rivers, distinguished professor of history at Florida A&M University noted, with so many landmarks in other parts of the nation, he said, "it's time to give important Montana sites the recognition they deserve."