-
Journey Starts for Lewis and Clark
William Clark and his companion, Meriwether Lewis along with many other men began their journey up Missouri aboard a keelboat and two small pirogues. While Clark often stayed on the boat to chart the course and make maps, Lewis explored the shore finding new species of animals, unfamiliar plants, and surveying the land. In fear of hostile Indians, Lewis and Clark frequently made camps on river islands whenever possible and stationed guards at night for extra protection. -
Treacherous Encounter in Sioux
As Lewis and Clark continued their journey, the danger approached as they were confronted by an unfriendly encounter. The Yankton Sioux, although dissatisfied with their gifts did not stir trouble however warned Lewis and Clark about the impending danger. The Teton Sioux were very demanding with their choice of gifts which resulted in a battle between the two groups. Lewis used the keelboat's swivel gun and Clark clashed with a sword to defeat the Teton Sioux. -
Winter in Fort Mandan
There were plenty of tasks in Fort Mandan from repairing equipment and trading with Indians to hunting animals for food. Sacagawea and her husband, Toussaint Charbonneau were hired here to interpret and guide them along the way. Lewis and Clark recorded many of their observations throughout the journey, including plant and mineral specimen and Clark's map. With no major trouble encountered in the winter, Lewis and Clark set sail for St. Louis with their supplies and gear. -
Grizzly Bears and the Rocky Mountains
Lewis and Clark noticed a pair of grizzly bears, one of which they injured and it escaped and another that chased Lewis until a fellow comrade was able to kill it. Soon after, one of their pirogues was lost in which Sacagawea saved their precious journal and supplies before it was too late. In the last week of May, Lewis caught sight of the Rockies and they gradually tried to make progress although their route was becoming more difficult with protuding rocks in shallow water -
Crossing the Bitterroots
Now, the journey was becoming even more arduous for Lewis and Clark as they arrived at the Bitterroot Mountains. Food was scarce since there were hardly any animals to hunt. They bought horses from the Flathead Indians and upon starving, the men ate three of the colts. Fortunately, they acquired dried fish and roots from the Nez Perce.They dug hollowed areas and set up camp near the Clearwater River. -
The Pacific Ocean?
The Americans decided to rest and meet with the Indians who are believed to have 10,000 pounds of dried salmon. Then, Lewis and Clark's group headed towards the choppy Cascades. Lewis thought that they had reached the Pacific and wrote "Ocian in View! O! The joy," in his journal but they were actually in the inlet of Columbia. Yet, in the middle of November, they finally made it to the Pacific Ocean. -
Ready to Return
Lewis and Clark were eager to meet a trading ship that hopefully passed but were unware that one stopped by because the Indians did not tell them. Anyway, they were getting ready to return and everyone was anxious to go back home. Likewise, the timing of the return journey was crucial since they needed the snow atop the mountains to melt. As the men loaded their five dugouts, they awaited the time they would be back. -
Hostile Behavior and Abandoned Canoes
As Lewis and Clark left Fort Clatsop, strong currents were occurring which the group tried to get around. Chinookan Indians constantly were bothering them and repeatedly attempted to steal supplies. This led to an animosity towards each other. Struggling to make their way around the falls was too hard for the group so they abandoned their canoes. Instead, they went on land on horses that were generously given to them by the Walla Walla tribe. -
Splitting up and Scuffling with the Blackfeet
The group split up upon crossing the Continental Divide, some men went to gather the supplies near the Great Falls and the others went to explore the Marias River. The Marias River was Blackfeet Indian territory and dangerous. The Blackfeet and Lewis with his men decided to camp together but one of the Indians stole a pair of rifles from them which initiated a fight where two Indians died. Clark and his men crossed the divide, into Crow tribe's territory where half their horses were gone. -
Return to St. Louis
Lewis and Clark, at this point, are presumed dead by many, as informed by traders. On September 23, 1806, the Corps of Discovery returned to the Mississippi River where they were greeted optimistically and enthusiastically with gunfire salutes and grand welcomes. The perilous journey came to an end, marking the significance of exploration, after more than two years.
