Clark, Wyoming

Clark, Wyoming is a small rural community approximately 30 miles (50 km) north of Cody, WY on Hwy 120, in Park County, Wyoming. Clark is unincorporated, and has no specific central "town site" per se, or town services. It is included in the Powell Zip Code area, which is approximately 30 miles (50 km) away, but has no other formal connection to Powell.

Clark is a community with close relationships among the roughly 300 full time residents (who share approximate 50 square miles (130 km²) of real estate). Residents are a mix of farmers (irrigation water from local creeks and river), ranchers, and retirees who come to the area for the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Otherwise those working generally have employment in Powell or Cody. There is an elementary school in Clark. Jr High and High School students bus to Powell, some to Belfy Mt.

Clark borders the Shoshone National Forest, State, and BLM administered lands and Clark's Fork River/Canyon, making it a prime area for the outdoor enthusiast. Winters are moderately mild, with elevation averages of about 4,500 feet (1,400 m). The area is semi-arid high desert sagebrush plains with little rain or snowfall, less than 10" per year, as the bordering mountains squeeze much of the moisture from the atmosphere. It was a wintering area for Indian tribes in the 19th century, due to the milder temps, relative lack of snow, abundant sunshine and game animals. Tipi rings can be found in the area.

History

John Colter, a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, and later well known mountain man, broke off from the expedition on the return trip in 1806, explored the Yellowstone area, and spent a winter near the future Clark with another man. Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce, running from the US Army in 1877, came thru the area, and out the mouth of Clarks Fork Canyon on his way to Canada. There was a battle between General Nelson A. Miles and some Bannock Indians along Little Rock Creek. The creek was named for one of the scouts involved in that battle. Bennett Creek is named for a Captain Bennett that was killed in the engagement. Part of the saga of Earl Durrand, outlaw and backwoodsman, was played out in Clark.

Clark plus the Clark's Fork of the Yellowstone River were named for William Clark, of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Wildlife

The area is home to antelope, mule and whitetail deer, elk, black and grizzly bear, Rocky Mountain Goats, and bighorn sheep. Some moose also live in and along the nearby mountains, as well as coyotes, wolves and mountain lions.

External links

• Clark Resource Council
• Map of Clark, WY

References

Coordinates: 44°53′58″N 109°09′04″W / 44.89944°N 109.15111°W / 44.89944; -109.15111