Other topics include music, holidays, High Potential Historic Sites, and an index of articles from We Proceeded On.
The Fur Trade
Given President Jefferson’s directive to establish commerce, the captains worked extensively within a long-established network of North American fur trade. Part of their mission was to help establish the United States of America’s position within that industry.
Lewis displays his talent for seeing the world metaphorically. Perhaps he wrote this vignette as he slapped at mosquitoes, waved off gnats, or plucked barbed spines from his feet.
The relatively uncomplicated sound key of the expedition itself can readily be imagined. The natural soundscape of the expedition’s trail is harder to reconstruct.
Chapter of Accidents
By the time he first used the phrase when McNeal broke his musket clubbing a grizzly, Lewis had written a long chapter of accidents.
Contributors
The Discovering Lewis & Clark website owes its existence to the excellent contributions of many talented scholars and producers.
High Potential Historic Sites
Several sites along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail have been designated as High Potential Historic Sites by the U.S. National Park Service based on public nominations. these tell the expedition’s story as they visited these areas.
We Proceeded On
We Proceeded On, is the official publication of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, the sponsor of this website. Indexed here are the articles included on this website.
In a compromise with its multicultural makeup, the Corps of Discovery celebrated just three special days—Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Independence Day—and each must have been observed with a jovial mixture of traditions.
Divine Encounters
The Corps never held a worship service of its own. Yet there were a few instances that might be interpreted as religious reverence.
Song and Dance
The journals of the Lewis and Clark expedition contain references to some two dozen occasions when the men turned to music for recreation and to celebrate holidays. It also served an important function in some of their diplomatic negotiations with Indian tribes.
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).