The explorers named the Gallatin, Jefferson and Madison rivers. July 27, 1805. Lewis: We set out at an early hour and proceeded on but slowly the current still so rapid that the men re in a continual state of their utmost exertion to get on, and they begin to weaken fast from this continual state of violent exertion. at 9 A.M. at the junction of the S.E. fork of the Missouri (the Galllatin) and the country opens suddonly to extensive and beatifull plains and meadows which appear to be surrounded in every direction with distant and lofty mountains. Photo: Palisade Falls, Gallatin Range, courtesy Wild Montana.

More about the people of the Gallatin Range July 28, 1805 Lewis: Our present camp is precisely on the spot that the Snake Indians were encamped at the time the Minnetares of the Knife R. first came in sight of them five years since. from hence they retreated about three miles up Jeffersons river and concealed themselves in the woods, the Minnetares pursued, attacked them, killed 4 men 4 women and a number of boys, and mad[e] prisoners of all the females and four boys, Sah-cah-gar-we-ah o[u]r Indian woman was one of the female prisoners taken at that time; tho’ I cannot discover that she shews any immotin of sorrow in recollecting this event, or of joy in being restored to her native country; if she has enough to eat and a few trinkets to wear I believe she would be perfectly content anywhere.

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