Lewis's Fort Mountain
by Joseph A. Mussulman
“This mountain has a singular appearance. it is situated in a level plain, it’s sides stand nearly at right angles with each other and are each about a mile in extent … from it’s figure we gave it the name of fort mountain.”
Every hunter, after following the land instead of the river, had to somehow end his day within sight or sound of the party’s camp at a location which no one could have known in advance. They were not always successful.
Private
by Barbara Fifer, Joseph A. Mussulman
Colter left a legacy of western lore, not the least of which was his famous run from the Blackfeet Indians and his exploration of “Colter’s Hell.” Yet his contributions to the expedition were also many.
Antelope, Antilocapra americana
by Joseph A. Mussulman
The men of the Corps of Discovery must have been electrified by their first sighting of the pronghorn antelope at the northeast corner of today’s state of Nebraska. Naturalists were eager to find the answers to some basic questions about them.
White Salmon and Smock-shops
by Kristopher K. Townsend
Wind Mountain was at the western extent of a series of Upper Chinookan villages called by Lewis and Clark the “Chilluckkittequaw nation.” Apparently, when asked for a tribal name, the captains were given the word for ‘he pointed at me’. Chilluckittequaw was adopted as their name a century later by early ethnographer Frederick Hodge. Between Wind Mountain and Hood River, nine villages have been identified, some overlapping with Klickitats
The bald and golden eagles
by Joseph A. Mussulman
En route to the Pacific Ocean, Lewis and Clark saw both species of eagles that are native to North America: the black-and-white one called the bald eagle, and the brown-and-gold one commonly known as the golden eagle, but which the explorers knew as the grey eagle.
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At the theater
In his book “Jeffersonian America”, British diplomat Augustus Foster describes the reactions of the Mandans during a rope dance performance at the Washington City theater. Also in attendance are five Osage delegates and Meriwether Lewis who gives a nod of approval when they ask to perform the Calumet dance.
Easton's triumph
In St. Louis, postmaster and land speculator Rufus Easton writes to President Thomas Jefferson declaring triumph over James Wilkinson’s persecution and seeking to color any report from Meriwether Lewis and William Clark concerning Antoine Soulard’s Archive of Surveys.
Clark's homecoming
The arrival of Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and their entourage at the Falls of the Ohio is noted by Clark’s older brother.
Back in St. Louis, problems with French and Spanish land titles mount as the former Surveyor General writes his defense against the unfavorable review he received when Lewis and Clark inspected his books of plots and surveys.
Beautiful town, delightful river
After crossing the Embarras River near present Lawrenceville, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and the Osage and Mandan delegates head southeast to Vincennes on the far shore of the Wabash River. Both George Rogers Clark and his brother William left written records of their time there.
Corrupt land grants
After the transfer of Louisiana to the United States, Antoine Soulard was retained as its Surveyor General. By 1806, Secretary of State Albert Gallatin wanted possession of his Archive of Surveys. To get them, he replaced Soulard with Silas Bent who shortly after his arrival in St. Louis penned a letter claiming systematic corruption.
Parting gifts
At the Knife River Villages in present North Dakota, a Mandan village gifts more corn than the expedition boats can carry. A swivel gun is given to Hidatsa Chief Le Borgne and the blacksmith tools to Charbonneau. Mandan Chief Sheheke (Big White) agrees to go to Washington City.
Having been recalled as Governor of Upper Louisiana, discredited James Wilkinson leaves St. Louis—a move that would directly impact Meriwether Lewis.
Canoe dealers
Interpreter George Drouillard and a party of Clatsops arrive with a canoe for sale, but the captains fail to make a deal. Clark reports news of trading ships to the north, and Lewis describes steelhead and cutthroat trout.
In Washington City, the Secretary of War reports on the Indian delegations visiting the city. He finds Arikara chief Too Né (Eagle Feather) an “interesting character”.
Youngs River Falls
At Fort Clatsop, hunters find a large waterfall—today’s Youngs River Falls, and Clatsop traders bring some fish. Hunters report that the elk have vacated the area, and the captains come up with a plan to leave Fort Clatsop early should they run out of provisions.
In Washington City, President Jefferson invites the Attorney General to visit Arikara chief Too Né (Eagle Feather) who possesses the art of Plains Sign Language.
Ammunition inspection
At Fort Clatsop near present Astoria, Oregon, the lead canisters are unsealed, and the gunpowder they hold is found to be safe and dry. The captains also describe highly prized Chinookan canoes.
Elsewhere, Zebulon M. Pike reaches what he thinks is the source of the Mississippi River—the intended destination of his expedition.
In St. Louis, several prominent citizens petition Congress to repeal an act requiring that Spanish land grants be transferred on the condition of occupancy and cultivation.
Chinookan lifeways
On this snowy day at Fort Clatsop near the Pacific Ocean, Lewis says that nothing worthy of notice happens. He then writes about Chinookan lifeways describing their dress, hats, and double-edge knives.
In Washington City, General Wilkinson is appointed governor of Louisiana.
Beachcombing
Near present Seaside, Oregon, Clark goes beach combing while the villagers look for fish stranded by the retreating tide. He returns to the Fort Clatsop construction site, where workers are falling trees and building a foundation.
Near Little Falls, Minnesota, U.S. Army explorer Zebulon Pike‘s men must drag two sleds over the prairie and a pirogue over the frozen river.
An attempt to return Arikara chief Too Né (Eagle Feather) to his home is stopped by some Kansa. Louisiana Territory Governor James Wilkinson decides to send him to Washington City.
Clatsop and Chehalis visitors
At Station Camp near the mouth of the Columbia, some Clatsops and Lower Chehalis visit. Additionally, the wife of Chinook chief Delashelwilt brings six young females to camp. Clark describes Chinookan head flattening and woven mats and hats.
In Washington City, Secretary of War Henry Dearborn orders Louisiana Territory Governor and Commander of the U.S. Army, James Wilkinson, to cancel his plans to build a fort on the Platte River.
Falls of the Columbia
The expedition arrives at the Falls of the Columbia. With the help of some Wishram villagers, they portage their baggage along the northern shore. Others scout the channel that the canoes will navigate.
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