On July 24, 1806, Captain William Clark made the first documentation of what is now called Laurel, Montana while encamped at the mouth of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River. His mark, documented on the map that day, projected what he considered the absolute best location for start-up and ongoing commerce in the area. To the west, he camped on what old-timers called Clark's Bottom. Up the river, two dug-out canoes were made, food supplies were replenished, and half the party's horses were stolen.