SigMT

SiG MT 37 SiG MT 39 efore area dams were built on the Missouri River—three dams south of Great Falls and five to the north—water flowing past the Great Falls townsite fluctuated from season to season. When the pioneers first came to the area, there were, of course, no bridges. Sometimes in the winter, travelers took chances by walking and driving horses across the ice. In the summer, they seled on using the ford—or the "fording place" as some people called it. Likely travelers were able to cross the Missouri River at the ford without dealing with much water during the late summer and early fall, although they had to be aentive to the many boulders. It is difficult now to locate the exact location of the ford, but it can be traced to a general location through historical accounts. ink of the area between Broadwater Bay and the First Avenue North Bridge. To be even more specific, look adjacent to the north side of the railroad bridge. At one time on either shore of the ford were deep worn trails made by the buffalo and Indians on ponies who followed them. Both had used the ford for centuries. "is was along the natural highway for the Indians on their way to the hunting grounds in the Judith," stated the March 20,1886 issue of the Great Falls Tribune. e river flowed over rocky ledges and boulders causing shallow rapids. Despite the rocks, it was the best place to cross the river in nearly forty miles in either direction. e following article describing the river bed at the river crossing was wrien when there was discussion as to where to place a bridge: "ere is probably no place on the Missouri river from ree Forks to its F O R D I N G The shallow rapids of the Missouri River where the ford was located. Courtesy of the History Museum The tent next to the river crossing where Paris Gibson opened his first real estate office. Courtesy of History Museum T H E mouth, where a bridge can be built so cheaply as at this point. e site is at the head of the falls, between the dam and the flour mill [where the water park is located today]. e water is shallow but swi and flows over a smooth ledge of solid rock, thus affording a solid foundation for piers," reported a January 2, 1886 article in the Great Falls Tribune In the book, When Wagon Trails Were Dim, Author Paul Adams tells of Methodist Minister, Rev. Job Lile, who was returning home from MISSOURI RIVER MISSOURI RIVER B BY SUZANNE WARING

• Cover