08/29/2026
No one knows for certain who was more surprised – the Corps of Discovery or the Salish.
The Bitterroot Salish people, about to begin their annual trek east toward the high plains in search of bison, were camped in early September 1805 in an area they knew as “the Big Open Area,” or “the Great Clearing.” (Since 1824, this large, expansive valley along the Bitterroot River, has been known as Ross’ Hole, after a fur trader with the Hudson Bay Company.)
While out riding on a security check on Wednesday, September 4, Chief Three Eagles was shocked to observe something he’d never seen before. A strange looking party emerged from the higher elevation timber -- most of its members were pale in complexion with short hair, and all appeared starved and exhausted.
The Expedition, having just crossed a high mountain pass, with cold temps and snow, were equally surprised when they noticed the Indians below riding up to greet them. Private Joseph Whitehouse wrote, “These Indians received us as friends, & appeared to be glad to see us. Two of our Men who were a hunting came to their lodges before we had arrived. The Natives spread a white robe over them, and put their Arms around their necks, as a great token of friendship, then smoaked with them. When Captains Lewis & Clark arrived they spread white Robes over their shoulders and smoaked with them also.”
Seeing the visitors had little or no blankets, Three Eagles ordered their best buffalo robes be shared, along with plenty of roots and berries. The community thoroughly embraced the hungry and tired travelers. William Clark recorded the tribe had 33 lodges with about 80 men, more than 300 women and children, and approximately 500 horses.
The next day, the two groups met and tried to communicate (it was difficult since the Salish language was completely unknown to the Corps’ interpreters). A little trading took place, too -- Clark documented that “I purchased 11 horses & exchanged 7 for which we gave a few articles of merchandise. those people possess elegant horses.” After a day’s rest and plenty of shared food, the Corps packed up and moved north through the Bitterroot Valley on September 6, accompanied part way by a small group of Salish men.
Today, Ross’ Hole is a High Potential Historic Site of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Along U.S. Highway 93, near Sula, a small, unincorporated community, you’ll find wayside interpretive panels which explain all that happened in this quiet and picturesque valley.
To learn more about this exciting chapter in the Lewis and Clark story, be at the Sula Country Store next Saturday, September 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., when Salish descendant, Lucy Vandenburg, will present “The Salish Discover Lewis and Clark,” with an introduction by author, Ted S. Hall.
Image: Charles M. Russell’s 1912 painting, titled “Lewis and Clark Meeting Indians at Ross’ Hole,” which hangs in the Montana State Capitol in Helena. Public Domain.
