Names and classifications
by Joseph A. Mussulman
Potts, might have called it a grosser Mücke (large gnat) or a Stechmücke (biting gnat). Labiche and Drouillard might have called it a cousin or a moucheron. But ever since early Colonial days it has chiefly been known in America by its Spanish name, mosquito.
François Saucier established a settlement at Portage des Sioux, a strategic part of the St. Charles district.
Awakening the Bear
by Castle McLaughlin
The Lewis and Clark’s bear claw necklace, recently ‘rediscovered’, is described and analyzed and suggests some of the many meanings and provocations related to it.
Lewis's summary and recent insights
by Charles Jonkel, Joseph A. Mussulman
It wasn’t until May 1806 that Lewis had occasion to expand on his Fort Clatsop Grizzly Bear observations. This article adds recent insights and an interview with Charles Jonkel.
Grizzly bear legends and facts
by Joseph A. Mussulman
The anecdotes about their experiences with grizzly bears which the members of the Corps of Discovery brought home were gory enough to guarantee that they would be passed along. What are the legends? What are facts?
In 1800 a Scottish explorer shot several specimens in the Canadian Rockies and brought back hides, heads and horns for study by American and British zoologists, including Dr. George Kearsley Shaw of the British Museum, whose study was published in 1804.
Known in the journals as Kanzas, Kansas, Kansias, Kansies, Kar sea, and Kah they are popularly called the ‘People of the South Wind’. At the mouth of the Kansas River, the captains ordered a defensive wall built, but no Kansa warriors appeared.
On 5 September 1804, the captains sent John Shields and George Gibson to the Ponca villages. The privates reported that the people were away hunting buffalo and that they had not planted their gardens.
The 1802 Army's Reduction in Force
by Stephen S. Witte
In his capacity as the President’s secretary, Meriwether Lewis prepared a report in which he classified the Army’s officers by military merit and by political affiliation, if known. Both of these factors were considered in identifying candidates for dismissal.
Training and shopping
by Charles F. Reed
When Meriwether Lewis traveled to Philadelphia in 1802, his guide to the city was Mahlon Dickerson who gave him a survey of people and places well beyond the privilege or opportunity of most Philadelphians of the time.
Distinguishing arms of officers
by Robert R. Hunt
Several anxious moments on the trail were associated with an implement which Lewis referred to in his journal as an “espontoon,” i.e., a half pike commonly carried by an eighteenth century infantry officer.
Each enlisted man, as well as the Captains, brought with them their dress uniforms which was worn for formal, official occasions such as dress reviews and parades, courts-martial, and funerals.
L&C to present-day
by Joseph A. Mussulman
To some extent, the Corps of Discovery used buffalo much as the Indians did–for clothing, blankets, tents, saddle pads, and moccasins for both men and horses. After railroads, demand for buffalo robes soared, the iconic animal’s downfall was swift.
Lynx rufus fasciatus
by Joseph A. Mussulman
While constructing Fort Clatsop, Clark recorded two significant transactions: “The Indians left us to day after brackfast, haveing Sold us 2 of the robes of a Small animal for which I intend makeing a Capot.”
Reunion Bay to St. Louis
Leaving Reunion Bay, the members travel together for the first time since Travelers’ Rest. They drop off the Charbonneau family at their village and pick up Chief Sheheke and interpreter René Jusseaume. The citizens of St. Louis, having given them up for dead, provide a boisterous welcome.
Cut Bank Creek to North Dakota
With only three others, Lewis continues his June 1805 exploration of the Marias River hoping to find its source north of the 50th parallel. They find that it flows south of the 49th. Heading back, they come across a small group of young Blackfeet, and the encounter turns fatal. Both groups flee.
Fort Clatsop to Long Camp
On their way up the Columbia River, they stop to hunt and dry meat, and to investigate the Willamette and Sandy rivers. Canoes are eventually traded or abandoned by the time they reach the Walla Walla River, they travel by horse to the Snake River. They encamp for several weeks waiting for mountain snows to melt.
December 1805 to March 1806
During their stay at the Pacific coast, they hunt elk, make salt at the beach, and buy fish, wapato, and conical hats from the Clatsops and Kathlamets. When Clark leaves to get blubber from a beached whale, Sacagawea—who still hasn’t seen the ocean—insists she be included in his group. In the spring, they are eager to leave.
North and South Dakota
The expedition meets the Lakota Sioux, and the encounter goes badly for both. They reach the lower Knife River Indian Villages, council with the Mandans and Hidatsas, and find a site to spend the winter.
St. Louis to the Kansas River
The two captains, Clark’s slave York, interpreter George Drouillard, eight or nine French engagés, 34 enlisted men, and Lewis’s dog Seaman depart in three boats: the barge and two large pirogues.
This site is provided as a public service by the
Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance
with cooperation and funding from the following organizations:
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).