PPHA has a proven record of success.

Initially created as the Pompeys Pillar Preservation Committee to ensure that Pompeys Pillar would be owned by the public when the John and Stella Foote family found it could no longer afford the liability associated with making the Rock accessible to the public, the Association achieved its initial goal in 1991, when the BLM took ownership of the property.

Shortly thereafter, the Association began work on its second goal: National Monument status for Pompeys Pillar, which was designated a National Landmark in 1965. After years of working with the U.S. Department of the Interior and through the support of the Montana Congressional Delegation, President Clinton rewarded the Association's efforts by designating the Pillar a National Monument in January 2001.

PPHA recognizes that protecting Pompeys Pillar is the responsibility of all Americans, because it belongs to all Americans. This serene area along the banks of the Yellowstone River lends itself to a variety of educational subjects: geography, geology, biology, botany, and mathematics. It is a premier site for bird watching, with more than 200 known species recorded at the Pillar. Deer, beaver, and fox still call the Rock their home, and at some point in the near future, buffalo will again return to Pompeys Pillar.

Mission Statement

"To develop the historic potential of Pompeys Pillar National Monument, the site of the only remaining physical evidence on the trail of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806."

It is the intent of this mission...

• to commemorate and emphasize Captain William Clark's journey along the Yellowstone River from Bozeman to the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers.


• to interpret and preserve the history of the Pillar area before and after Captain Clark's visit to the Pillar.

To accomplish this mission, the Committee will assist and cooperate with the Bureau of Land Management in the development, planning, construction and maintenance of a commemorative interpretive center on site at the Pompeys Pillar National Monument.

This center will provide space necessary to offer the visitor a memorable interpretation of "Clark on the Yellowstone" and the historical significance of the surrounding area.

Become a Member of Pompeys Pillar Historical Association

The Pompeys Pillar Historical Association (PPHA) assists the Bureau of Land Management in its endeavors to develop the Lewis and Clark National Monument. All income from memberships, donations and sales for the PPHA is designated for use at the site.

As a member you can extend your support and vision into the heart of the Pillar.

Yearly memberships are $25.00 for Individuals, $40.00 for Family, $75.00 for Corporate.

Your valid membership will admit you and all occupants in your car free. Members will receive updated information of happenings around the Pillar as well as 10% off at the Pillar gift store.

Please send your name, address and check for membership to PPHA, P.O. Box 227, Worden, MT 59088.

Download membership application.