Camp Disappointment


  • Vicinity: 12 mi NE of Browning, Blackfeet Reservation
  • Travel Genus: Sight
  • Sight Category: Site

Northernmost campsite of the Corps of Discovery Expedition

Lewis and three companions, George Drouillard and the Field brothers, Joseph and Reubin, spent July 22 to July 26, 1806, at Camp Disappointment, the northernmost campsite of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Lewis hoped to determine how far north the Marias River extended. President Jefferson desired proof of a tributary of the Missouri River that extended to 50° north latitude, giving the United States a claim to a more northern boundary. Had this been the case, the natural boundaries of the Louisiana Purchase would have been extended. Unfortunately, Lewis lost all hope of the waters of this river ever extending to N Latitude 50°. Lewis's plan of finding an easy portage route between the Marias and Saskatchewan rivers that would allow America to divert Canadian fur trade into American territory at the Missouri River was also thwarted. Therefore, on Saturday, July 26, the men broke camp and continued down river. - NPS


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Timeline

Y/M/D Person Association Description Composition Food Event
Y/M/D Person Association Description Composition Food Event
1806/00/00
1806/07/22 Meriwether Lewis Explorer Lewis Advance Party at Camp Disappointment from July 22 to July 26, 1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition

Data »

Particulars for Camp Disappointment:
Historic Use Camp
Area of Significance Exploration-settlement
Criteria Historic Event
Level of Significance National
Owner Private
Sight Category Site



US National Registry of Historic Places Data »

Accurate at time of registration: 15th October 1966

PLACE DETAILS
Registry Name: Camp Disappointment
Registry Address: 12 mi. NE of Browning
Registry Number: 66000434
Resource Type: Site
Owner: Private
Area in Acres: 640
Contributing Sites: 1
Other Certification: Designated National Landmark, National Landmark boundary approved
Certification: Listed in the National Register
Nominator Name: National Historic Landmark
CULTURAL DETAILS
Level of Significance: National
Area of Significance: Exploration-settlement
Applicable Criteria: Event
Period of Significance: 1800-1824
Significant Year: 1806
Historic Function: Domestic
Historic Sub-Function: Camp
Current Function: Agriculture, subsistence
Current Sub-Function: Agricultural fields

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