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!

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).

The White Cliffs of the Upper Missouri River - Sample Itinerary and Video

The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument encompasses 149 rives miles, yet, arguably the most renown and visited section is the 46 miles stretch referred to as “The White Cliffs.” This magnificent section also corresponds with the most famous and portions of the legendary Lewis and Clark Expedition into the West. From the eloquent and mesmerizing descriptions by Meriwether Lewis in his journal entries to the countless modern texts romanticizing the landscape and formations to the innumerable dramatic photographic opportunities along the river, this river section will always be immortalized as a pivotal piece of history. Moreover, it is unique and inspiring in that you can experience the Upper Missouri River much like the early explorers and homesteaders did—undisturbed and magnificent, and hopefully, through continued efforts towards protection and conservation, this area will remain a Wild and Scenic River.

The RiverHaley MillerFebruary 16, 2022Upper Missouri Breaks, Lewis and Clark, Hiking, Camping

The Upper Missouri River Breaks or 'Badlands' - Sample Itinerary and Video

Within Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, the last section, river miles 88.5 to 149 or Judith Landing to James Kipp Recreation Area, is generally referred to as the “Breaks'“ or “Badlands” of the Upper Missouri River. Although not as famous as the White Cliffs, most guides and folks who have done both sections will report that the Badlands are their favorite. The two sections are wildly different in geology, topography, hikes, sites and wildlife. The Badlands are generally less travelled and have only one developed campsite. There are several in-tact homesteads to explore, bighorn sheep to hopefully spot and vast, towering landscape surrounding you. The ‘Breaks’ refers to how the land appears from above - it appears as though the braided, twisted and numerous drainages leading down to the river have broken the landscape.

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 from the Sky

In June 2019, we were fortunate enough to be invited by the infamous Glenn Monahan on a flight tracing the Upper Missouri River from Helena to Fred Robinson Bridge. These photos are a journey from the sky of our favorite places on the river. They truly make evident the vast expanse beyond the shores of the river, and, moreover, the deep, twisting, braided gullies, coulees and drainages that form the lower section of the Upper Missouri River Breaks. The images of this landscape evoke power, magnitude and majesty. Who would have thought a river flowing through the prairie would command this presence.

The RiverHaley MillerJanuary 22, 2021Upper Missouri Breaks, Lewis and Clark

ResourcesCiera KrinkeNovember 24, 2019Upper Missouri Breaks, Lewis and Clark, Native American History

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