Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1887-1890, 1888-02-18
SCENIC GRANDEUR.
THE WONDRoUs SCENERY OF THE
MISSOURI AT GREAT FALLS.
Limitless Motive Power Combined With
the Greatest Series of Cataracts In
the Observation-Disclosures Bay
to the Great Falls.

Inc vaStneSS OF the silent plains, as on
gazes on them from an higher elevation
is almost oppressive; but when we COM
to sylvan shades and tinkling rills W.
breathe more freely, and it seemsthat GU
whole being is gently wooed to rest
Most persons however, drinking in sucl
scenes, soon become satiated and Ions
for something more exciting. They thirs
for something that shall contain the ele
ments of rugged grandeur and sublimity
for something that shall make theil
hearts leap fast with wild excitement; fol-
something also, that shall please in the
beholdlng, touch the imaginative side oil
their nature and impress them with the
inexpressible sublimity of their surround.
ings. Montana, from all these points
can satisfy the desire of anyone who will
but choose to come and see. She has
boundless plains, where countless herds
of cattle and horses range at large. She
has woodland shades and sparkling
brooks. She has lofty mountains and
deep .ravines, placid lakes and mighty
rivers, whose gigantic waterfalls long
ago charmed and awed the willy savage.
The white man has supplanted the red
man, but the same instincts dwell in the
hearts of both-both love and revere the
scenes of their natural or adopted home.
The praises of Montana's natural wealth
and beauty have often been eloquently
recited by gifted men and women. Nor
has silence prevailed regarding the Won
derful scenery surrounding this city
Great Falls. 1t is a significant name for
a town to have. To tell of her remarka-
BILE environments n scarce knows where
to begin OF where to end.
THE DISCOVERY OF THE FALLS.
Nearly a hundred years ago a party was
sent out by the general government to ex-
plore the Missoui river to its source. This
territory was then peopled by the abo-
rhymes, the majority of whom knew moth.
ing of the white man. These intrepid
explorers, after overcoming many diff
of the Missouri. To say that they were
astonished at the glorious sight which
suddenly burst upon them is to put it
mildly. They give in their journals a
glowing word picture of the falls. Not
only is it glowing, but it is also true; and
their measurements and observations of
the falls and the surrounding %topograph- |
ical features were so accurate and care |
fully drawn up DIS to testify to this day to |
the pains-taking care and truthfulness
of the explorers, captains Lewis and
Clarke. 1t is needless to state that our |
town takes its mime from the series of
cataracts which commence within her |
limits and extend down the river for u dis |
lance Of over twelve miles.
Of late years the falls have afforded a
fruitful theme for many talented writer's. |
They have been SO faithfully described
that nothing in connection with them |
has been left untold. Yet we cannot
pass them over in silence, their many |
merits compel US to speak.
BRoADNATER BAY.
The Missouri river in. its meandering
course is comparatively narrow for a few
miles above the town, but as it draws
near it is parted by a large woodland
island and, as if proud of such an emerald
gem upon its bosom, suddenly expands in
buoyant waters SO as to form a beautiful
bay, 1000 feet wide, exactly opposite the
town. Broadwater bay is the pride of
our citizens and the admiration of all
visitors. This bay, so still and deep,
seems to be where the waters combine
as if by mutual consent, before be-
ginning their wild journey over the rapids
below. These rapids are so
steep that the water flowing over sunken
rocks, or buffeting those outstanding,
a noise like a powerful cataract.
Standing on the bank no n can appre-
clare the velocity of the rapids; but once
in a boat dancing along with almost
and sees the need of good plotting. Fol-
perceive that the banks get higher and
and that the rapids develop into
cascades which stretch in
foamy lines from shore to shore.
What bird is that we see which
Gems to come to welcome US on
sinewy pinions? It is an eagle-a
black eagle. Hark! do you not hear the
oar as of many waters, taking some mad
cap? 1t is the Black Eagle Falls we I
lear. They were named in honor of this 4
eagle. which had its nest in a tree on the !
sland Just below them, and which scared :
loft just as we see it now, when Lewis t
md Clarke discovered the falls. 1t is |
old now, poor thing; and We hope
10 ruthless hand will be raised to Stay t
he historic bird. r
THE EAGLE FALLS. )
At last we come in sight of the falls, r
lot quite two miles from the hotel. P
down upon them from the hill 7
op a feeling of disappointment steals r
yer us, for we expected to see some b
hing grand, whereas all we see is a slope d
4 the river, whose angles of descent is y
ot a great deal more thar that of the p
apids above. The rocks and beulders il
larger and the water more foamy, o
nth an occasional dash of spray as it fl
Iides down the slope, that is all. But 81
ow deceptive great things sometime are. o.
Tnless we get close under them and \
leasure our own stature by theirs we do d
realize our smallness or their great N