Pompeys Pillar
Called “the place where the mountain lion lies” by Native Americans, Captain William Clark named it “Pompeys Tower” in honor of Sacagawea’s toddler son Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, who he had nicknamed “Pomp.” Nicholas Biddle, first editor of Lewis and Clark’s journals, changed the name to “Pompeys Pillar.” The Pillar overlooks the Yellowstone River and still bears Captain Clark’s signature, the only remaining physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Have you been to Pompeys Pillar? What did you think? Do you have a favorite shot below?
Pompeys Pillar Photo #1. The view from the base of the steps leading up to Clark’s signature.
Pompeys Pillar Photo #2. Clark’s engraving on the side of the Pillar.
Pompeys Pillar Photo #3. Continuing further up the Pillar from Clark’s signature, I took this shot.
Pompeys Pillar Photo #4. Part of the 360 degree view from the top, this one of the Yellowstone River.
Pompeys Pillar Photo #5. Although I took a bunch of shots, generally from this angle, when we first approached the Pillar, the light changed dramatically as we were leaving. There were big, dark storm clouds to the west and big puffy white clouds and full sunshine to the east. I took one last photo and it was by far my favorite. Lesson learned: even when you feel you’ve taken 100 shots of something, keep shooting. This seems to be most true when you’re absolutely certain you already have a killer shot on your camera.
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That’s awesome. I would love to get there one day.
Thanks, Victoria! It was really beautiful!
The clouds certainly add some drama to the first and last shots.
I agree! I got so lucky that they were being dramatic during our visit! 🙂
Awesome shots! My favourite is the first one.
Thanks, Madhu! I appreciate you stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
Hey shutterbug Sage! I’m sorry I haven’t been online much! I’ve been visiting my grandpa for the last couple of days and I haven’t had much of a chance to go online. I love all of these lol! Couldn’t pick just one 😛
Welcome back, and thanks so much! I feel I owe it all to Mother Nature, with her dramatic clouds and control of the sunlight! 🙂
very cool!