Salt played a critical role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition as dietary supplement, meat preservative, and even a soldier’s pay. President Jefferson instructed Lewis to look for sources of saline and while wintering at Fort Clatsop, considerable man-power and time was given to making salt from sea-water. Lewis seemed to crave it, Clark not so much.
Salt-curing Meat
Preserving without refrigeration
by Joseph A. Mussulman
Salt served functions that were equally as important as dietary needs: drying meat—namely, and tanning hides for clothing and moccasins.
The Salt Works
Making salt from ocean water
by Joseph A. Mussulman![](/media/salt-works-rh-3545-sq.jpg")
On 28 December 1805, the officers detailed three enlisted men to proceed to the Ocean and “at Some Convenient place form a Camp and Commence makeing Salt with 5 of the largest Kittles . . . .”
Soldier Pay
Worth their salt
by Joseph A. Mussulman
Early Roman soldiers received an allowance of salt, which was called a salarium—a “salary.” A good soldier had to be “worth his salt.” What sort of salaries did the men of the Corps of Discovery earn?
Dietary Salt
Lewis's singular thirst
by Joseph A. Mussulman
The formula is simple. One molecule of sodium, a reactive metal, plus one molecule of chlorine, a poisonous gas, equals a harmless mineral that once was deemed “the fifth element,” along with earth, air, fire, and water.
Searching for Salines
Objects worthy of notice
by Joseph A. Mussulman
Among the “objects worthy of notice” President Jefferson instructed Meriwether Lewis to watch for en route were saltpetre deposits and salines. By “salines” Jefferson meant salt flats, salt marshes, salt pans, salt springs, and rock or “fossil” salt deposits.
June 19, 1806
Fishing for steelhead
Despite the fine grass and camas at their camp on Eldorado Creek, they plan to move back to Weippe Prairie. Most of the expedition members spend the day hunting, fishing for “Salmon Trout”, and searching for stray horses.
June 10, 1805
Caching the red pirogue
Boats are emptied, and cargo not critical is set aside to be cached. Shields impresses Lewis by fixing the air gun. After hiding the red pirogue on an island near Decision Point, Sacagawea becomes ill.
May 6, 1805
Curiosity satisfied
With a fair morning and favorable winds, the boats set out early making 25 miles to a camp east of present Frazer, Montana. Lewis says most of the men are no longer interested in killing grizzly bears.
September 10, 1804
Plesiosaur bones
Under a gentle breeze, the expedition makes 20 miles stopping about six miles below the present Snake Creek bridge in South Dakota. Along the way, they collect fossilized bones from a plesiosaur.
June 6, 1804
Passing Petite Saline Creek
After fixing the barge’s mast, the expedition sets out. They pass Petite Saline Creek which has several salt licks and signs that indicate bison are nearby. They camp early to let a pirogue catch up.
May 2, 1804
St. Louis preparations
In St. Louis, Lewis writes Clark regarding seven French engagés and the enlisted men’s pay. He sends flags, mosquito netting, and shirts to Clark who is managing the winter camp across the Mississippi.
April 18, 1804
Sending for Capt. Lewis
Sgt. Charles Floyd and Pvt. George Shannon leave Camp River Dubois with two horses to meet Cpt. Meriwether Lewis who is crossing over from St. Louis by boat. By afternoon, Lewis arrives at camp.
April 14, 1804
Packing corn, pork, and salt
At winter quarters on the Wood River in Illinois, the day is spent packing provisions, and Pvt. Reed is sent to St. Louis. At Monticello, Jefferson writes instructions for a Southwest expedition.
November 6, 1803
The Saline River
On or near this date, the expedition passes the Saline River. In 1807, Fortescue Cuming would describe the river’s mouth and a salt works about 20 miles up the river.
November 5, 1803
Shawneetown, Illinois
On or near this date, the expedition passes Shawneetown. Ohio River traveler Fortescue Cuming would later describe the town. One week prior, Thomas Rodney found wrecked boats below the Wabash River.
October 6, 1803
Ancient bones
Lewis is likely at Big Bone Lick collecting ancient bones for President Jefferson. Fellow traveler Thomas Rodney and scientist Caspar Wistar describe bones from there resembling the American bison.
September 22, 1803
Alexandria and Vanceburg
On or near this date, Lewis passes the Ohio River towns of Alexandria and Vanceburg. He provides no journal entry, but Thomas Rodney describes this area nine days later.
Experience the Lewis and Clark Trail
The Lewis and Clark Trail Experience—our sister site at lewisandclark.travel—connects the world to people and places on the Lewis and Clark Trail.
Discover More
- The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
- The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
- The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.
This site is provided as a public service by the
Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance
with cooperation and funding from the following organizations:
- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
- Montana Committee for the Humanities
- Idaho Governor's Lewis and Clark Trail Committee
- The Capital Gallery (Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation)
- Yellowstone Public Radio
Unless otherwise noted, journal excerpts are from The Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, edited by Gary E. Moulton, 13 vols. (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1983-2001).