Lewis and Clark entered the Terrapin Neck on Wednesday the 6th of June, 1804 before
noon. They set out at seven that morning and proceeded 5 miles upstream to the
mouth of the Split Rock Creek that is now called Perche Creek. Perche Creek today
enters the Missouri further downstream than today. From there they traveled due West
1 1/2 miles to a point on the Starboard side opposite a 200 foot cliff. Today this point
is at the Eagle Bluff Missouri River overview at about Missouri River mile 175.2.
noon. They set out at seven that morning and proceeded 5 miles upstream to the
mouth of the Split Rock Creek that is now called Perche Creek. Perche Creek today
enters the Missouri further downstream than today. From there they traveled due West
1 1/2 miles to a point on the Starboard side opposite a 200 foot cliff. Today this point
is at the Eagle Bluff Missouri River overview at about Missouri River mile 175.2.
From there they went 3 miles to the mouth of the Petite Saline River. Actual distance
covered was 2.3 miles. They noted that the waters of the Petite Saline were blackish
with salt and that a great salt lick was located 9 miles up the creek though the water
doesn’t appear to carry much salt today.
covered was 2.3 miles. They noted that the waters of the Petite Saline were blackish
with salt and that a great salt lick was located 9 miles up the creek though the water
doesn’t appear to carry much salt today.
From Saline Creek 1 1/2 miles to a point on what is now Tadpole Island, a popular camp-
ing spot today. This stretch of the river was considered a rapid before the river was
canalized and the current was strong when Lewis and Clark came up the Missouri River.
ing spot today. This stretch of the river was considered a rapid before the river was
canalized and the current was strong when Lewis and Clark came up the Missouri River.
Clark notes that the bank was falling in and this reference is to Huntsdale’ high bank
where Katfish Katy’s boat ramp and campground is located today. This bank has erod-
ed about the width of the river since Lewis and Clarks passage.
where Katfish Katy’s boat ramp and campground is located today. This bank has erod-
ed about the width of the river since Lewis and Clarks passage.
The current was excessively strong and they camped earlier than usual to allow the
pirogue to catch up probably just above Terrapin Creek.
pirogue to catch up probably just above Terrapin Creek.
Another possible passage upstream from the Petite Saline, would have them traveling
up the Terrapin Shoot instead of the main channel. This is possible because Clark men-
tions that they passed on the North side of the Island (Terrapin Island) and camped past
the bulge of the Island on the Starboard(right side). Since the water was high the
crossing of the sandbar at the upstream end of Terrapin Island would pose no problem.
Then they would have to round the bend between Terrapin Island and Hickham Island
and cross the main channel to camp above Terrapin Creek.
up the Terrapin Shoot instead of the main channel. This is possible because Clark men-
tions that they passed on the North side of the Island (Terrapin Island) and camped past
the bulge of the Island on the Starboard(right side). Since the water was high the
crossing of the sandbar at the upstream end of Terrapin Island would pose no problem.
Then they would have to round the bend between Terrapin Island and Hickham Island
and cross the main channel to camp above Terrapin Creek.
Katfish Katys
Campground
Bed & Breakfast
