The Jefferson and Madison rivers converge and along with the Gallatin they form the start of the mighty Missouri River in southwest Montana. All three of the rivers are considered fly fishing meccas and they are revered%2C no more so%2C however%2C than indigenous people who had a relationship with these waterways for thousands of years and had their own place names.  Interestingly to some is that although Lewis %26amp%3B Clark gave them modern names%2C in honor of President Thomas Jefferson%2C Secretary of State James Madison and Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin%2C none of those government dignitaries ever saw the rivers or ever ventured into the interior West. It speaks to Susan Marsh%27s question%3A who should get to decide how places are referenced on maps%3F  Photo courtesy Mike Cline%252FWikimedia Commons
The Jefferson and Madison rivers converge and along with the Gallatin they form the start of the mighty Missouri River in southwest Montana. All three of the rivers are considered fly fishing meccas and they are revered%2C no more so%2C however%2C than indigenous people who had a relationship with these waterways for thousands of years and had their own place names. Interestingly to some is that although Lewis %26amp%3B Clark gave them modern names%2C in honor of President Thomas Jefferson%2C Secretary of State James Madison and Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin%2C none of those government dignitaries ever saw the rivers or ever ventured into the interior West. It speaks to Susan Marsh%27s question%3A who should get to decide how places are referenced on maps%3F Photo courtesy Mike Cline%252FWikimedia Commons