Homesteader Highlight: John Ervin, Upper Missouri River Montana

One of our favorite homesteaders stories is that of John Ervin. He might possibly be the most colorful character amongst the stories contained in our history digest. John’s homestead is located in the Badlands or “Breaks” portion of the monument. We generally stay at a campsite just downriver from his cabin. It is possible to visit the cabin certain times of the year, and if you have time to navigate the often thick willows and brush leading up to the cabin. Mainly, we love picturing John and his life in our of our favorite parts of the entire river.

Steamboats on the Missouri River - History

Fort Benton, Montana served as the innermost port for shipping and human transportation thanks to the arrival and successful voyages of steamboats. The first steamboat made the journey in 1819. This history is rich, vast and, at times, hard to even imagine. The river remains largely unchanged since this time period (and before), and if you have had the privilege of floating the river, either by canoe, kayak or raft, you will find it absolutely puzzling how those behemoth vessels managed to make their way up the river and back to St. Louis, especially considering the massive amount of cargo and people they brought.

This page serves as a collection of gathered steamboat history and reference point for additional research and learning if you are interested. We will regularly be adding to this page as we collect more!

Quick Facts about the Missouri River and Name Origin

The Missouri River’s history is profoundly rich and immeasurably impactful on the development of the west and our entire country. The name, Missouri, comes from the Indians that lived in the region, the Missouri and Ottee. From the Siouan language the name was, “Ouemessorita”, (pronounced Oh-ma-sur-ray) which literally means “people of the wooden canoe.” Later anglicized to be spelled and pronounced, Missouri. The Missouri was formed about 30 million years ago. The Missouri River is the longest river in North America and the 4th longest in the world (when combined with the Mississippi River system). There are 10 dams located on the Missouri River in Montana and another 5 dams located in North Dakota and South Dakota.

Designating the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument - Proclamation

Those who enjoy the Upper Missouri River today owe a debt of gratitude to those who have worked for the protection that it so eminently deserves. It is remarkably scenic; it provides recreation and serenity for thousands every year; it’s geology is fascinating; it has great potential for restoring native wildlife populations; and it played a leading role in the history of Montana and of the West.

Creation of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and National Wild and Scenic River was no easy task and the ensuing battles will be a mark on the areas history forever. Before this magnificent river corridor was a national monument, it was first designated a National Wild and Scenic River.

Woodhawks and Steamboats of the Upper Missouri River

Woodhawk Creek is named for the men who set up shop on the banks of the Missouri to supply the steamboats with fuel-wood for their boilers, which consumed as many as twenty-five to thirty cords per day (a cord is basically the equivalent of the amount of wood that, when chopped, can fill the bed of a pick up truck). The ‘wookhawks’ were an independent breed of men, and the work they performed was physically demanding. They led an isolated existence and were extremely vulnerable to attacks by hostile Indians. Their lives were dangerous, and often short (okay, Hobbes).

Lewis and Clark Expedition - What was on the Menu?

Have you ever wondered what the Corps of Discovery consumed in order to battle the elements, labor those heavy boats upriver and survive the perilous journey into the West and back? The answer is: a lot!

HistoryHaley MillerJanuary 11, 2022Lewis and Clark, Upper Missouri Breaks, Canoeing, Camping, Local Food

Upper Missouri River Brief History & Monument Information

A plan of protection and respect for our wild and historic treasure.

HistoryCiera KrinkeNovember 1, 2019Upper Missouri Breaks, Lewis and Clark