First Flag Unfurling Site

First Flag Unfurling Site
Tribal ExperiencesLC Features
National Forest Development Road 185
Idaho 83467

Information

(208) 756-5100
Access to the First Flag Unfurling Site is free
lat: 45.0241206 long: -113.5729594

The First Flag Unfurling Site is a five-acre National Register-listed property located on BLM land adjacent to the Salmon-Challis National Forest. A historical marker and interpretive wayside exhibit are located next to a pull-off on NF-185, also known as Warm Springs Road. Despite the name and designation, there is no sup­porting evidence that this was the actual site Lewis unfurled the flag. However, it provides a good overview of the terrain and general area occupied by the Shoshone and traversed by the expedition.

On August 13, 1805, Lewis finally made contact with the Shoshones, encountering a group of “two women, a man and some dogs.” Signaling his peaceful intentions, Lewis set aside his pack and rifle, and took a flag which he “unfurled and avanced singly towards them.” Although the small group initially fled, Lewis’ efforts eventually paid off, and he received a warm reception from the Shoshone chief Cameahwait at his camp. Convincing the wary Shoshone to return across the continental divide with him and then assist the expedi­tion in portaging over Lemhi Pass proved to be a tremendous test of Lewis’ skillful diplomacy. However, it was Sacagawea’s joyful reunion with her brother Cameahwait that cemented the trust and goodwill between the two groups. Subsequently, Lewis and Clark were able to barter for 29 or 30 horses to transport all of their supplies through the mountains. They also secured the services of a guide, whom they nick­named “Old Toby.”

The Corps of Discovery departed Cameahwait’s Shoshone camp on August 30.

Nearby Attractions

Distance Unit:

Lemhi Pass
Lemhi Pass

Forest Rd 3910, Tendoy, ID 83468, USA
Distance: 6.81 Away

Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes LC Features

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The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, & Educational Center
The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, & Educational Center

Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center, Main Street, Salmon, ID, USA
Distance: 17.29 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers Tribal Experiences LC Features

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Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center
Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center

Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center, Main Street, Salmon, ID, USA
Distance: 17.29 Away

Outdoor Experiences Museums and Interpretive Centers Tribal Experiences LC Features

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Discovery Hill Recreation Area
Discovery Hill Recreation Area

Salmon, ID, USA
Distance: 18.92 Away

Outdoor Experiences

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Salmon, Idaho
Salmon, Idaho

Salmon, Idaho, USA
Distance: 18.92 Away

Shopping Food and Drinks

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Lemhi County Historical Society and Museum
Lemhi County Historical Society and Museum

Lemhi County Historical Museum, Main Street, Salmon, ID, USA
Distance: 18.97 Away

Guided Tours Museums and Interpretive Centers

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Bannack State Park
Bannack State Park

Bannack State Park, Bannack Road, Dillon, MT, USA
Distance: 29.65 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers

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Bannack Ghost Town & State Park
Bannack Ghost Town & State Park

Bannack, MT, USA
Distance: 29.71 Away

General History

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Wagonhammer RV Park Camp and Campground
Wagonhammer RV Park Camp and Campground

Wagonhammer RV Park, U.S. 93, North Fork, ID, USA
Distance: 31.36 Away

RV and Camping Outdoor Experiences

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Camp Fortunate Overlook
Camp Fortunate Overlook

Camp Fortunate Overlook, Grayling, MT, USA
Distance: 34.38 Away

Outdoor Experiences LC Features

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Big Hole National Battlefield
Big Hole National Battlefield

Big Hole National Battlefield, Montana 43, Wisdom, MT, USA
Distance: 43.19 Away

Tribal Experiences Museums and Interpretive Centers Walks and Hikes

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Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture and Convention & Visitors Bureau
Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture and Convention & Visitors Bureau

Beaverhead Chamber Of Commerce & Agriculture, West Reeder Street, Dillon, MT, USA
Distance: 47.36 Away

Cultural Districts

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