Laurel, Montana
While most of the Nez Perce crossed the Yellowstone River near Laurel and headed north toward Canyon Creek, a couple of raiding parties followed the Yellowstone River to the small community of Coulson in present day Billings.
They burned some buildings and haystacks, stole a few horses, killed two men, and hijacked a stagecoach. When Colonel Sturgis and his men crossed the river several hours later they could see the smoke in the distance.
“Early in the forenoon we forded the river, where there was ample evidence that our wily foes had crossed, apparently many hours before… The old colonel [Sturgis]…gave the order to go into camp….Captain Benteen...picked out the most desirable place possible, and we swung into line, dismounted and were just preparing to unsaddle, when one of our scouts came galloping into camp, shouting at the top of his voice: “Injuns, Injuns! Big ght and re down river!” One hasty glance con rmed his report, as dark clouds of smoke could be seen rolling up, and now and then came the faint, distant sound of rifle shots to our ears.“
– Private Theodore W. Goldin
Sundance Lodge Recreation Area
Located near the confluence of the Clarks Fork and theYellowstone River about 10 miles west of Billings, MT, Sundance Lodge was a working ranch before the Bureau of Land Management acquired it in 1997. It is now designated a Special Recreation Management Area and provides a dispersed recreation experience near the communities of Laurel and Billings as well as ensuring public access to the Clarks Fork, and protecting wildlife habitat.
Laurel High School students recommended the name of this site based on historical research. According to the research, the Crow name for the Clarks Fork River is Ashkisshipouoo, translated as “Where the Sun Dance Lodge was run over.” This refers to an incident in which an abandoned lodge was run over by a herd of buffalo.
Sundance Lodge Recreation Area is also the location where The Nez Perce National Historic Trail and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail converge.
Recreational opportunities include wildlife viewing, environmental education, photography, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Day use only.
