Journal entry · April 12, 1805
Departure from Fort Mandan, Missouri River — Patrick Gass: April 12, 1805
Patrick Gass · Departure from Fort Mandan, Missouri River · Thwaites Vol. Gass 1807 First Edition
The place today: Departure from Fort Mandan, Missouri River
About 8 we came to the mouth of the Little Missouri, a hand-
some small river that comes in on the South side where we
* © Mr. Mackay informed me, that in passing over the mountains, he observed
several chasms in the earth that emitted heat and smoke, which diffused a strong sul-
phureous stench.’’ Mackenzie’s Voyage.
These appearances were near the eastern side of the Rocky mountains where they
were crossed by Mr. Mackenzie’s party; and in about lat. 56. North, and long. 120.
West.
LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION 7s
halted and took breakfast. The river is very properly called
the Little Missouri, for it exactly resembles the Missouri in
colour, current and taste.* It was thought advisable to
remain here the remainder of the day, and air our loading.
Some hunters went out and killed a deer, and Captain Clarke
killed a hare, which was now changing its colour from white
to grey.
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The NPS atlas for this night
right shore, mouth of Little Missouri River, ND
NPS campsite reconstruction (Bergantino)
About 5.0 miles of travel mapped this day (NPS’s reconstruction of the course)
From the NPS Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Park Atlas, mirrored here on September 21, 2026. This copy is not authoritative; NPS remains the system of record. About the mirror
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