Pompeys Pillar
At Pompeys Pillar in Montana, our team had the privilege of contributing to the preservation of one of America’s most historically significant natural landmarks. This sandstone monument, famously marked by William Clark in 1806 during the Lewis and Clark Expedition, stands as a rare and tangible connection to the nation’s early exploration.
Over time, changing climate conditions and natural weathering had led to erosion and structural instability, putting the monument at risk. After stabilizing and reinforcing the formation, our challenge was to maintain its natural appearance and historical authenticity.
Planning, Coordination, and Teamwork
Throughout this project, minimizing environmental impact was a priority, requiring thoughtful planning, precision logistics, and adaptability from the entire crew. Access to the site depended on a narrow, muddy two-track path that spanned half a mile from the nearest access road, so all equipment had to be heavily considered when transported.
The cold weather conditions further challenged each team, as cold temperatures and high winds made both cable work and shotcrete application especially difficult. To meet the strict requirements of the material, over 300 gallons of warm water had to be transported in from a town located 25 miles away for each shotcrete application phase.
Following structural reinforcement with rebar and base shotcrete layers by Montana Shotcrete LLC and TripTych Construction, our team was responsible for the outermost layer and artistry of the new rockface. With meticulous attention to detail, we recreated the natural textures, stratification, and coloration of the native sandstone. Each transition was carefully sculpted to ensure the repaired areas blended seamlessly with the original formation, preserving the monument’s authentic appearance.
Project Photos
Preserving Pompey’s Pillar For Decades to Come
The result of this project is a stabilized, protected landmark that retains its historic character while being fortified for the future. Through this work, Pompeys Pillar is better equipped to withstand the elements and continue telling its story for generations to come.
Shotcrete Montana LLC wrote a fantastic piece about this big undertaking, which received an American Shotcrete Association 2025 Honorable Mention and can be viewed in American Shotcrete Association’s Shotcrete Magazine, Quarter 1 2026 Issue.
SPecializing In Authentic Structural Work
This project exemplifies our ability to operate in challenging environments, collaborate with multiple stakeholders, and deliver results that balance engineering precision with natural artistry. When the stakes are high, whether preserving history or building something entirely new, we bring the experience, dedication, and craftsmanship needed to get it done right.
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