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.”
Bonasa umbellus
by Joseph A. Mussulman
At Fort Clatsop on 5 February 1806, Reubin Field returned from a hunt with “a phesant which differed but little from those common to the Atlantic states.”
(1769–1809), Private
During the damp winter at Fort Clatsop and throughout 1806, the journals speak more and more often about Shields’ life-sustaining work as gunsmith. Certainly the guns had seen hard use.
Even on the toughest days of the expedition, Lewis somehow found time to observe plants along the way. However, his major periods of systematic work evidently were at Fort Mandan, Fort Clatsop, and Long Camp.
During their journey up the Missouri to the Mandan villages, security procedures were outlined in the detachment orders of 26 May 1804. The detachment orders setting forth procedures for the security of Fort Clatsop, were issued on 1 January 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition first encountered Chinookan-speaking people at the Dalles of the Columbia River. Upper and Lower Chinookan tribes were in contact as the expedition traveled to the river’s mouth, wintered at Fort Clatsop, and returned home in spring 1806.
Homeward bound
The dugouts are loaded, and they leave Fort Clatsop to begin their homeward-bound journey. Fighting high waves, they round Tongue Point and camp near the John Day River.
Giving away the fort
Fort Clatsop, OR In addition to giving away the fort, hunters are sent up the Columbia to hunt ahead of tomorrow’s planned departure.
Delayed by weather
Fort Clatsop, Astoria, OR Bad weather prevents the expedition from leaving for home. Provisions are low, so during the weather delay, hunters are dispatched without success.
Fort Clatsop reflections
Fort Clatsop, OR As they wait for better weather to start for home, Lewis reflects on the expedition’s winter at Fort Clatsop.
Chinookan lifeways
Fort Clatsop, OR The captains describe Chinookan lifeways detailing their manner of dress, decoration, and how they flatten their foreheads.
Stealing a canoe
Fort Clatsop, OR After stealing a canoe, soldiers hide it near the fort. The captains write a short description of the expedition with the names of each member, and they distribute copies among the Indians.
A new canoe
Fort Clatsop, OR George Drouillard returns from his trading trip with a canoe paid for with Lewis’s uniform coat. The captains report that the enlisted men are staying away from the Indian women camped near Fort Clatsop.
A "scant dependence"
Fort Clatsop, OR Lewis writes an inventory of trade items: an artillerist’s uniform coat, five robes made from the large flag, some clothing, and little else. A run of coho salmon begins.
Harvesting the hunt
Fort Clatsop, OR The captains continue to barter for canoes without success. Several men are busy hunting and gathering meat. Lewis describes the white-fronted goose, new to science.
Canoe dealers
Fort Clatsop, OR Drouillard and a party of Clatsops arrive with a canoe for sale, but the captains fail to make a deal. Lewis describes steelhead and cutthroat trout.
Looking for canoes
Fort Clatsop, Astoria, OR Drouillard is sent to buy two new canoes from the Clatsops, and several men are out hunting, retrieving elk meat, or looking for a lost dugout canoe. Lewis discusses coastal fish species.
Making new clothes
Fort Clatsop, Astoria, OR The captains tally the numerous pieces of clothing made in preparation for the trip home. Lewis describes golden eagles and how their feathers are used by the Chinookan Peoples.
Living "in clover"
Fort Clatsop, OR Pryor’s trade delegation returns in a borrowed Indian canoe full of fish and wapato. Lewis describes the western fence lizard and rough-skinned newt.
A tree 42 feet around
Fort Clatsop, Astoria, OR Hunters tell the captains about a large Sitka spruce that they encountered. Several men are sent out to hunt elk, and Lewis describes common ducks and grebes.
This page was funded in part by the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, U.S. National Park Service.
This site is provided as a public service by the
Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation
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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).