The First Flag Unfurling Site is a five-acre National Register-listed property located on BLM land adjacent to the Salmon-Challis National Forest. A historical marker and interpretive wayside exhibit are located next to a pull-off on NF-185, also known as Warm Springs Road. Despite the name and designation, there is no supporting evidence that this was the actual site Lewis unfurled the flag. However, it provides a good overview of the terrain and general area occupied by the Shoshone and traversed by the expedition.
On August 13, 1805, Lewis finally made contact with the Shoshones, encountering a group of “two women, a man and some dogs.” Signaling his peaceful intentions, Lewis set aside his pack and rifle, and took a flag which he “unfurled and avanced singly towards them.” Although the small group initially fled, Lewis’ efforts eventually paid off, and he received a warm reception from the Shoshone chief Cameahwait at his camp. Convincing the wary Shoshone to return across the continental divide with him and then assist the expedition in portaging over Lemhi Pass proved to be a tremendous test of Lewis’ skillful diplomacy. However, it was Sacagawea’s joyful reunion with her brother Cameahwait that cemented the trust and goodwill between the two groups. Subsequently, Lewis and Clark were able to barter for 29 or 30 horses to transport all of their supplies through the mountains. They also secured the services of a guide, whom they nicknamed Toby.
The Corps of Discovery departed Cameahwait’s Shoshone camp on August 30.
Tendoy Store, Idaho 28, Tendoy, ID, USA
Distance: 5.63 mi (straight line)
Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center, Main Street, Salmon, ID, USA
Distance: 17.29 mi (straight line)
Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center, Main Street, Salmon, ID, USA
Distance: 17.29 mi (straight line)
Outdoor Experiences Museums and Interpretive Centers Tribal Experiences LC Features
Lemhi County Historical Museum, Main Street, Salmon, ID, USA
Distance: 18.97 mi (straight line)
Wilderness River Outfitters & Trail Expeditions Inc., Goodman Lane, Salmon, ID, USA
Distance: 19.45 mi (straight line)
Horse Prairie Stage Stop Restaurant, Bar & Lodge, Montana 324, Dillon, MT, USA
Distance: 24.71 mi (straight line)
Jackson Hot Springs Lodge, Jardine Avenue, Jackson, MT, USA
Distance: 25.06 mi (straight line)
Tower Rock Recreation Site, Carmen, ID, USA
Distance: 25.69 mi (straight line)
Lapham Outfitters, Montana 278, Jackson, MT, USA
Distance: 25.82 mi (straight line)
Bannack, MT, USA
Distance: 29.71 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers RV and Camping Guided Tours
Wagonhammer RV Park, U.S. 93, North Fork, ID, USA
Distance: 31.36 mi (straight line)
7501 Polaris Rd, Polaris, MT 59746, USA
Distance: 33.05 mi (straight line)
Clark Canyon Reservoir, Montana, USA
Distance: 33.98 mi (straight line)
Camp Fortunate Overlook, Grayling, MT, USA
Distance: 34.38 mi (straight line)
Buffalo lodge, Lake Front Drive, Dillon, MT, USA
Distance: 35.33 mi (straight line)
Our bi-weekly newsletter provides news, history, and information for those interested in traveling along along the Lewis & Clark Trail.