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First Idea
Thomas Jefferson sent a secret letter to congress. The letter was asking to send explorers to the western territory. -
Expedition Starts
The expedition stars in St. Louis. Meriwether Lewis being commander and WIlliam Clark sharing command. -
Independence Day
The first independence day of the expidition. The crew shot off a cannon for celebration. The river was named Independence River. -
First Native American Contact
Corps of Discovery officials meet with the Oto and Missouri native tribes. They bring gifts of many kinds including 15 star flags. They give them medals of peace. -
Sgt. Charles Floyd Died
Sgt. Charles Floyd died. The cause of his death was a burst appendix. A bluff and stream were named after him. -
First Seen Prairie Dog
The men see a squirrel like animal, for them this was a new discovery. They attempt to drown one out of its hole to send back east. -
Sioux Indians
The expidition crew meets with the Sioux indians. At first they were asked to give up a boat to move on up river. Before any fighting, Cheif Black Buffalo settles the arguement. The men stay for three more days. -
Interpereter Found
A Canadian trapper living with the Hidatsas was decided to be the interpereter. His wife (Sacagawea) was considered useful as well. Both would accompany the expidition. -
New Child
Sacagawea gave birth to a son. His name was Jean Baptiste. Raising a baby in the middle of winter was one of the hardest tasks for Sacagawea. -
Shosone Village
The expidition comes into contact with the Shoshone Indians. They try to trade for horses. The Shoshone cheif turns out to be Sacagawea's brother. -
Idaho
The expidition finally crosses the mountains and find themselves in Idaho. Most people were starving. Their success at crossing was because of their shoshone guide Old Toby. -
Winter Prep
The men decide to set up winter houses on the south side of the Columbian River. -
Fort Clatsop
Fort Clatsop is presented to the Clatsop Indians. The men begin preparing for the way back. The journey is not over. -
Nez Perce
The men have to wait for the snow to melt in the mountains before they can cross. They stay with the Nez Perce Indians. They were the most hospitable, honest, and friendly people met on the expedition. -
Journey Over
Lewis and Clark reach St. Louis. The journey has come to an end. Many people died along the way.
