Lewis and Clark Expedition
The Lewis and Clark Expedition was a journey to explore the Louisiana Territory in 1804. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the expedition faced challenges and made significant discoveries.
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In 1801, President Thomas Jefferson sent a letter to Meriwether Lewis, inviting him to serve as his secretary.
In January 1802, Caspar Wistar, a Philadelphia physician, anatomist, and paleontologist, wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson discussing Mackenzie's Voyages.
In June 1802, President Jefferson ordered Alexander Mackenzie's book and Aaron Arrowsmith's latest map of North America from James Cheetham of New York.
In August 1802, Philadelphia physician, naturalist, and botany professor Benjamin Smith Barton visits President Jefferson, but is not informed about the proposed expedition.
On November 21, 1802, Secretary of Treasury Albert Gallatin advises President Jefferson to make a secret request to Congress for funding the Expedition, rather than including it in his annual message.
On December 2, 1802, Spanish minister Irujo writes to Madrid that Jefferson asked if Spain would object to a scientific expedition up the Missouri River. Spain later refuses to issue Lewis a passport.
On January 18, 1803, President Jefferson sent an encrypted letter to Congress requesting financial support for a proposed expedition.
On February 27, 1803, Jefferson wrote to Barton informing him that he had chosen Meriwether Lewis to lead the Expedition to the Pacific.
Jefferson wrote to Wistar on February 28, 1803, mentioning that Lewis had acquired the skill to calculate latitude and longitude.
Meriwether Lewis obtained a French passport on March 1, 1803.
On March 14, 1803, Gallatin wrote to Jefferson mentioning the issuance of a $2,500 warrant for the Expedition and a manuscript transcribed from Mr. Thornton's map by Captain Lewis.
On March 15, 1803, Meriwether Lewis departs from Washington, D.C. to head towards the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia.
Meriwether Lewis reaches Harpers Ferry on March 19, 1803, to make arrangements for necessary supplies for the upcoming expedition.
In April 1803, Lewis Prospectus was published by John Conrad of Philadelphia, announcing a work in three volumes. The first part contained the narrative while the latter included scientific observations and Indian vocabularies.
On April 13, 1803, Albert Gallatin sends a letter to Thomas Jefferson providing feedback on the instructions drafted for Meriwether Lewis.
April 19, 1803, marks the day when Meriwether Lewis arrives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and meets with Andrew Ellicott, a prominent astronomer, mathematician, and surveyor.
Starting from April 20, 1803, Meriwether Lewis commences his training in celestial navigation under the guidance of Andrew Ellicott.
The United States agreed to the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, acquiring a vast territory west of the Mississippi River from France. This doubled the size of the country and added significance to the upcoming Lewis and Clark Expedition.
In 1803, Andrew Ellicott wrote letters to John Vaughn and Robert Patterson to be carried by Meriwether Lewis, regarding the upcoming expedition.
On May 10, 1803, Meriwether Lewis began training in Philadelphia for the upcoming expedition. He received training in various subjects like botany, navigation, mathematics, medicine, and anatomy.
In 1803, Meriwether Lewis had a meal with his long-time friend Mahlon Dickerson.
Andrew Ellicott communicated with Thomas Jefferson on May 14, 1803, informing him about discussions with Robert Patterson and Henry Voigt regarding the instruments needed for the expedition.
On May 15, 1803, Meriwether Lewis had dinner with Dr. George Logan and paid a visit to Governor John Mckean.
Thomas Jefferson sent a draft of instructions to Meriwether Lewis on May 16, 1803, outlining details for the upcoming expedition.
Dr. Benjamin Rush compiled a list of questions about Native Americans for Meriwether Lewis on May 17, 1803.
On May 19, 1803, Meriwether Lewis had a meal with Henry Sheaff, a Philadelphia merchant.
On May 24, 1803, Meriwether Lewis had a meeting described as a 'conference' with Mahlon Dickerson.
On May 29, 1803, Meriwether Lewis wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson updating him on the progress of purchasing articles, busy days, lack of study time, and interactions with notable figures like Wistar, Barton, and Rush in Philadelphia.
On May 31, 1803, Meriwether Lewis socialized with Governor Mckean during the evening.
On June 17, 1803, Meriwether Lewis departed from Philadelphia towards Washington, D.C., arranging for the transport of goods by wagon.
On June 19, 1803, Meriwether Lewis reached Washington, D.C. and sent a letter to William Clark inviting him to join a journey to the Pacific.
On June 20, 1803, President Thomas Jefferson's instructions to Meriwether Lewis for the Expedition were finalized, marking a crucial step in the planning of the historic journey.
On June 24, 1803, President Thomas Jefferson wrote to Rush, informing him that Meriwether Lewis would leave in 4-5 days, indicating the imminent departure of the expedition.
On June 29, 1803, Secretary of War Henry Dearborn authorized the army paymaster to pay Meriwether Lewis and his team six-month's pay, ensuring financial support for the upcoming journey.
On July 2, 1803, Meriwether Lewis wrote to his mother, informing her that he would leave for the Western Country the day after tomorrow, expressing his regret at not being able to see her before his departure.
On July 4, 1803, President Jefferson officially gave Meriwether Lewis his orders for the expedition.
On July 5, 1803, Meriwether Lewis left Washington, D.C. for Harpers Ferry, marking the beginning of the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition.
On July 8, Meriwether Lewis arrives at Harpers Ferry and informs Thomas Jefferson of his upcoming journey to the Pacific.
Meriwether Lewis arrives in Pittsburgh on July 15 at 2:00 p.m. Jefferson informs Lewis about the Louisiana Purchase treaty signed in Paris.
On July 18, William Clark accepts Meriwether Lewis' offer to join him on the expedition to the Pacific. Lewis receives Clark's acceptance letter on July 29.
William Clark accepts Lewis's invitation to join the expedition and starts recruiting men for the 'Corps of Discovery' to explore the western territories.
Lewis writes to Clark from Pittsburgh, mentioning that he has received Clark's acceptance and that only the boat construction is delaying him.
Lewis writes to Jefferson from Pittsburgh, informing him of a delay in the construction of the keelboat and expresses hope to leave by August 5.
In August 1803, a confidential message was sent to Congress regarding the Lewis and Clark Expedition, detailing the progress and findings of the exploration.
Lewis purchases a second pirogue on September 8 to assist in traveling on the Ohio River.
September 11 marks the first mention in the journals of Lewis' dog, Seaman.
Lewis travels by land to Big Bone Lick in Kentucky to see a mammoth skeleton during his stay in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is fascinated by the discovery.
Lewis reunites with Clark in Clarksville, Indiana after spending nearly two weeks there. Their partnership and journey continue.
Lewis and Clark leave Clarksville, Indiana, continuing their expedition via keelboat. Their exploration of the newly acquired territory begins.
Clark separates from Lewis in St. Louis, Missouri, marking a significant point in their journey as they part ways temporarily.
Due to delays in obtaining Spanish permission to travel up the Missouri River, Lewis and Clark decide to camp in St. Louis for the winter, naming it Camp Dubois.
The Louisiana Purchase is officially transferred to the United States, eliminating the need for Spanish permission for the expedition.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition began on May 14, 1804, when Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, along with their team, set out to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase and find a route to the Pacific Ocean.
Clark faces challenges with the expedition boat being heavy in the stern and rough waters, but manages to travel 24 miles up the Missouri River without any injuries.
The famous Lewis and Clark expedition commenced its journey by starting the ascent of the Missouri River.
Lewis finally joins the Expedition in St. Charles on May 20, 1804, after his return from St. Louis. The entire Corps of Discovery is now complete and ready to continue their journey.
On May 21, 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition departed from St. Charles.
On May 25, 1804, Lewis and Clark passed through La Charette, the last non-native settlement on the Missouri River, marking their exit from settled American territory.
The Captains divide the Expedition into three squads led by Sergeants John Ordway, Nathaniel Pryor, and Charles Floyd. Corporal Richard Warfington is chosen as the future commander of the squad responsible for returning the keelboat to St. Louis.
The Expedition successfully reaches the Osage River on this day.
On June 3, 1804, Lewis and Clark named their first geographical feature, Cupboard Creek, near the mouth of the Osage River.
On June 4, 1804, the mast of the boat used by Lewis and Clark broke during their expedition.
On June 6, the mast of a ship or boat was repaired or secured.
Clark observed various paintings and carvings on a limestone rock at the mouth of a creek, made with white, red, and blue flint.
On June 10, there was plentiful water and deer in the area where the expedition was located.
Pierre Dorion, Sr. was recruited from the fur trappers to assist in interpreting with the Yankton Indians.
By June 16, ticks and mosquitos became a significant issue for the expedition.
On June 17, the French Higherlins started complaining about the quantity of food, expressing a desire for more as they usually ate 5-6 times a day.
The Expedition arrives at a location that is now part of Kansas.
Collins and Hall are caught breaking into the whisky supply while on sentry duty.
Collins and Hall are convicted by a court martial. Collins is sentenced to 100 lashes, while Hall receives 50 lashes.
On July 4, 1804, the Corps of Discovery celebrated Independence Day near Atchison, Kansas. They fired a small cannon on the keelboat and distributed whiskey to the men to mark the occasion.
The Expedition led by Lewis and Clark reached land that is known as present-day Nebraska.
Willard, a member of the Expedition, was convicted by a court martial and sentenced to receive 100 lashes as punishment.
The Expedition led by Lewis and Clark reached land that is known as present-day Iowa.
The Expedition led by Lewis and Clark reached the Platte River during their journey.
The Expedition stayed at Camp White Catfish, named after the channel catfish caught by Goodrich, for several days.
On August 1, 1804, the expedition celebrated Clark's birthday with the best cuts of elk and venison, a beaver tail, and various fruit.
On August 2, 1804, the captains met with six Oto chiefs and some warriors at sunset to plan a council for the next day. Gifts were exchanged during the meeting.
On August 3, 1804, Lewis and Clark held a council with Oto and Missouri Indians at Council Bluffs. Peace medals were given, and the air gun was demonstrated. A Frenchman named La Liberte deserted during this event.
On August 20, Sergeant Charles Floyd dies from an abdominal illness and is buried on a bluff above the mouth of Floyd’s River in present-day Sioux City, Iowa. He is the only member of the Expedition to die during the journey.
On August 21, the Expedition reaches land that is present-day South Dakota.
On August 23, Joseph Field kills the Expedition’s first bison.
On August 26, Patrick Gass is formally appointed as sergeant to replace Charles Floyd. Additionally, George Shannon becomes lost during the Expedition.
Lewis and Clark meet members of the Yankton Nakota Indians in South Dakota and later hold a council with them, discussing the possibility of meeting the president.
Sergeant Charles Floyd, a member of the expedition, passed away, likely due to appendicitis. He was buried on a bluff overlooking the river in Sioux City, Iowa, making him the only member to die during the entire two-year journey.
The explorers see their first prairie dog town, and the next day, William Clark kills his first bison.
George Shannon, a member of the expedition, is found starving after running out of ammunition.
Lewis and Clark encountered the Lakota Sioux near present-day Pierre, South Dakota. Despite initial tension, a potentially dangerous situation was peacefully resolved.
The expedition encounters the Teton Sioux at Bad River near present-day Pierre, South Dakota.
The expedition reaches Jon Valle’s trading post on October 1st.
William Clark notes that York, a black man in the expedition, fascinates the Arikara people who have never seen a black man before.
The Captains of the expedition have a council with Arikara chiefs. York, the black member of the team, shares his past with Arikara children.
Private John Newman rebels, leading to a court-martial. He is then exiled to work as a manual laborer until the spring.
The expedition encounters their first grizzly bear on this day.
The crew reaches the Mandan and Hidatsa Indian villages, which are more populous than Washington, DC at that time.
The team starts building Fort Mandan for winter stay and enlists Toussaint Charbonneau and Sacagawea as interpreters.
On November 3, the French boatmen were discharged, except for Jean Baptiste Lepage, who was hired as a private to replace John Newman.
In the bitter cold of a South Dakota winter, the Corps of Discovery celebrated Christmas day with alcoholic drinks and rations of rum being served.
On January 1, 1805, two cannons were fired to celebrate the new year at Fort Mandan. Many of the Corps attended a dance with the Mandans.
In February 10, Howard faced a court martial for climbing over the fort's fence. Lewis decided to suspend the sentence, making it the last court martial during the journey.
On February 11, 1805, Sacagawea gave birth to a son named Jean Baptiste during the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Sacagawea played a crucial role as an interpreter and guide for the expedition.
On April 7, an expedition consisting of thirty-one men, one woman, one baby, and a dog, started their journey up the Missouri River into unknown lands.
On April 12, 1805, the expedition led by Lewis and Clark reached the Little Missouri River in North Dakota during their exploration of the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase territory.
Between April 25-26, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived at the mouth of the Yellowstone River, a significant milestone in their journey westward.
Explorers Lewis and Clark reach the mouth of the Yellowstone River during their famous expedition to explore the western United States.
On April 27, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition entered present-day Montana as they continued their exploration of the uncharted western territories of the United States.
The crew reaches 2000 miles from their base camp on the Poplar River and names a tributary the 2000 Mile Creek.
On May 8, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition reached the Milk River, named for its tea-colored appearance with a hint of milk, a notable geographical feature encountered during their journey.
A member of the Corps of Discovery shot and killed a grizzly bear after being chased by it, leading the men to develop a respect and fear for these formidable creatures.
On May 14, 1805, Sacagawea, a key member of the expedition, rescued various essential items including papers, medicines, instruments, and trade goods after the white pirogue tipped over, showcasing her resourcefulness.
By May 20, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived at the Musselshell River, which they named the Sacagawea River in honor of their invaluable Shoshone guide.
On May 26, 1805, Meriwether Lewis reported the first sighting of the Rocky Mountains, a significant geographical landmark that marked the expedition's progress towards the Pacific Northwest.
Meriwether Lewis saw the Rocky Mountains for the first time during the expedition.
On June 13, 1805, Meriwether Lewis discovered the Great Falls of the Missouri River. This discovery confirmed to him that they were on the correct path of the expedition.
On June 14, 1805, Meriwether Lewis encountered four additional falls on the Missouri River, leading to his dismay. He also had a dangerous encounter with a grizzly bear, which chased him into the river.
The crew faces the challenge of dragging heavy equipment on an 18-mile detour around the Great Falls. Delays are caused by failed attempts to build a boat and injuries to several men.
The Corps of Discovery encountered a fork in the Missouri River, leading to a scouting party determining the correct path to follow, distinguishing between the river and a tributary.
Clark sets up the Lower Portage Camp below the mouth of Portage Creek, now known as Belt Creek. This camp serves as a temporary base for the expedition.
Clark establishes the Upper Portage Camp around 3/4 miles north of Sand Coulee Creek near White Bear Islands. This camp is used as a stopover point during the expedition.
The last of the baggage is brought in off the plains, marking the completion of the portage process. This signifies a significant milestone in the expedition's journey.
On July 4, 1805, the Corps of Discovery marked Independence Day by consuming the last of their alcohol. They were attempting to assemble a collapsible boat from St. Louis, but faced difficulties in making it watertight, leading to its abandonment. Plans were made to construct canoes for the onward journey.
On July 6, 1805, Clark's group traverses Gibbon's Pass in Montana, which is part of the Continental Divide.
On July 7, 1805, Lewis' party crosses the Continental Divide at present-day Lewis and Clark Pass.
On July 8, 1805, Clark's party arrives at Camp Fortunate where they camp for several days and open their cache to enjoy real tobacco for the first time since Christmas.
Lewis attempted to use an iron boat near White Bear Islands, but it failed as it leaked.
On July 11, 1805, Lewis and his party arrive at the White Bear Island area (Upper Portage Camp) near Great Falls, Montana.
After the failure of the iron boat, the expedition built two dug-out canoes to continue their journey up the Missouri River.
On July 16, 1805, Meriwether Lewis took three men to explore the Marias River. Meanwhile, other members of the expedition worked on recovering materials from caches and portaging around the Falls.
By July 18, 1805, Meriwether Lewis' group had reached the Marias River during the expedition. This marked a significant milestone in their journey.
Ordway, Collins, Colter, Cruzatte, Howard, Lepage, Potts, Weiser, Whitehouse, and Willard arrive at White Bear Island with six canoes. They join the Gass party and head down the Missouri to meet Lewis.
Gass/Ordway's party portages the canoes around the five waterfalls and departs from the area near present-day Great Falls for the Marias River.
The expedition reached Three Forks, the headwaters of the Missouri River, near Missouri River Headwaters State Park. They named the three rivers Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson.
Near the Idaho-Montana border at 3000 Mile Island, a foot party has a brief encounter with a mounted Shoshone Indian.
Lewis becomes the first white American to cross the Continental Divide at Lehmi Pass.
On August 13, 1805, Meriwether Lewis encountered the Shoshone people during the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This encounter marked an important interaction between the expedition members and the Native American tribe.
On August 15, 1805, Lewis departed from the Shoshone camp with several Indians on horseback in search of Clark. This collaborative effort highlights the teamwork and communication skills within the expedition.
Clark conducts a council with the Shoshone tribe, assisted by Sacagawea, and successfully enlists the help of one of the tribe members, Old Toby.
On August 18, 1805, William Clark and 11 men departed from Camp Fortunate to explore the surrounding area and gather timber for building canoes to continue their journey to the Pacific Ocean. Most of the Native Americans also accompanied Clark on this expedition.
By August 22, 1805, Cameahwait, the Shoshone Chief recognized by Sacagewea as her brother, arrived at Camp Fortunate with about 50 men, women, and children. Sacagewea and Charbonneau also accompanied them to meet with Meriwether Lewis.
The main party, along with most of the Shoshone, crosses back into Idaho, across the Continental Divide.
Clark joins Lewis at the upper Shoshone camp during the expedition.
The Expedition heads north while the Shoshone head east to the buffalo country, now traveling with 40 horses and a guide.
On September 4, 1805, the Lewis and Clark expedition crossed back into Montana west of Lost Trail Pass.
On September 9, 1805, Lewis and Clark encountered the Salish (Flathead) Indians camped near present-day Ross’ Hole.
The expedition faces a challenging journey crossing the Bitterroot Mountains, experiencing starvation before reaching Weippe Prairie and encountering the Nez Perce Indians.
On September 13, 1805, the Lewis and Clark expedition arrived at Lolo Creek, Traveler’s Rest camp near present-day Lolo, Montana.
On September 20, 1805, a nearly starving Clark encountered Nez Perce Indians near Weippe Prairie. They fed him dry salmon and roots, which did not agree with him.
On September 22, 1805, Lewis and the main party joined Clark at Weippe.
From September 26 to October 7, 1805, the Lewis and Clark expedition continued its journey.
On October 7, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition set up a camp on the Clearwater River, known as Canoe Camp, located 5 miles west of present-day Orofino, Idaho. They constructed five canoes at this camp.
On October 10, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition continued their journey by canoe down the Clearwater River and reached the Snake River. They camped near present-day Lewiston, Idaho, before crossing into present-day Washington.
Sacagawea was a Shoshone woman who played a crucial role as a guide and interpreter for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, helping the explorers navigate the uncharted territories of the American West.
Private John Newman is court martialed for mutinous expressions and is given 75 lashes. He will be sent back with Reed in the spring of 1805.
By October 16, 1805, Lewis and Clark's Expedition reached the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers, a significant milestone in their exploration journey.
On October 18, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition successfully reached present-day Oregon, marking another important stage in their expedition.
On October 23, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived at the Great Falls of the Columbia River, later known as Celilo Falls, a significant natural landmark on their journey.
The expedition reaches the mouth of the Knife River, near Mitutanka, the first of the two Mandan Villages, where they will spend the winter.
The boats of the expedition move past Mitutanka to Ruptare, the second Mandan village, and set up camp.
The Captains of the expedition meet and smoke a peace pipe with four Mandan, three Hidatsa, and several Arikara chiefs.
Lewis and Clark surpass the furthest point reached by George Vancouver's 1792 expedition.
After a perilous journey of nearly eighteen months and 4,000 miles, Lewis and Clark successfully reach the Pacific.
On November 7, 1805, William Clark recorded in his journal the sighting of the Pacific Ocean, bringing great joy to the expedition members. This marked a significant milestone in their journey westward.
Lewis and Clark reach Cape Disappointment, the westernmost point of their expedition in present-day Washington, 4,162 miles from St. Louis.
On November 24, 1805, members of the expedition, including Sacagawea and York, participated in a crucial decision-making process to determine the location for their winter quarters, shaping their upcoming stay.
The crew starts constructing their winter camp named after the local Clatsop Indians on the south bank of the Columbia River.
Starting on December 9, 1805, Meriwether Lewis and the main party initiated the construction of Fort Clatsop near present-day Astoria, Oregon, as a strategic base for their winter stay.
The crew relocates to Fort Clatsop on Christmas Day to spend the winter.
On December 28, 1805, Joseph Field, Bratton, and Gibson left to establish a salt making camp near present-day Seaside, Oregon, contributing to the expedition's resource management and sustainability.
On December 30, 1805, the establishment of the salt making camp near Seaside, Oregon, by Joseph Field, Bratton, and Gibson commenced, enhancing the expedition's self-sufficiency.
On January 8, 1806, during the Expedition, William Clark and Sacagawea encountered a whale skeleton on the beach. The captain purchased blubber and oil from the Indians who were processing the whale.
On March 17, 1806, some members of the Expedition stole a canoe from the Clatsop Indians. This event marked a negative interaction between the Expedition members and the local indigenous people.
On March 23, 1806, the Expedition left Fort Clatsop by canoe to begin its return journey. This marked the end of their stay at Fort Clatsop and the start of their journey back home.
On April 10, 1806, the Expedition successfully navigated past the Great Rapids of the Columbia River. This was a significant achievement during their return journey.
On April 18, 1806, the expedition led by Lewis and Clark reached the Great Falls of the Columbia River, a significant milestone in their journey.
On April 20, 1806, the expedition made a transition from using canoes to horses as they prepared for the return journey over the Rocky Mountains.
On May 5, 1806, the expedition crossed from Washington into present-day Idaho, marking another stage of their journey.
The Corps of Discovery reunited with the Nez Perce Indians, who had cared for the expedition's horses during the winter.
From May 14 to June 10, 1806, the expedition camped at Camp Chopunnish near present-day Kamiah, Idaho, where they tended to sick Indians, hunted, and waited for the mountain snows to melt.
On June 29, 1806, the expedition crossed Lolo Pass from Idaho back into present-day Montana, continuing their challenging journey.
From June 30 to July 3, 1806, the expedition camped at Traveler’s Rest, a significant resting point on their expedition route.
On July 3, 1806, the Lewis and Clark Expedition splits into two parties: Lewis continues east along the Marias River while Clark follows the Yellowstone River down south.
On July 15, 1806, Lewis was attacked by a grizzly bear while exploring with a small party. He managed to fight it off by breaking his musket over the bear's head and climbing a tree.
On July 24, 1806, Clark's party continued their journey down the Yellowstone River after constructing two dugout canoes.
On July 25, 1806, Clark inscribed his name into the rock at Pompy's Tower, located east of present-day Billings, Montana.
Pryor's group loses the remaining horses, borrowed from Crow Indians, and attempts to catch up with Clark by building two bullboats.
Lewis' group engages in a skirmish with a Blackfeet party at Two Medicine Creek, resulting in the death of two warriors.
Lewis' party meets with the Ordway/Gass party near the confluence of the Marias and Missouri rivers.
Clark's group reaches the Tongue River in Montana on this date.
Clark's group leaves Montana and heads towards North Dakota after reaching the Missouri River.
Clark's group arrives at the mouth of the Yellowstone River on this date.
During the expedition, Cruzatte mistakenly fires his gun and injures Meriwether Lewis in the buttocks. This incident causes a moment of chaos and concern among the party members.
Lewis and Clark reunited along the Missouri River in present-day North Dakota.
The expedition led by Lewis and Clark reaches the Mandan Villages, an important milestone in their journey. This encounter with the Mandan people provides valuable cultural and geographical insights.
John Colter is discharged from the Corps of Discovery and decides to join two trappers, Dixon and Hancock, for an independent journey upriver. This marks a significant departure from the main expedition.
On August 17, 1806, Mandan chief Big White agrees to go with Lewis and Clark back to Washington, showing the diplomatic relations established during the expedition.
The expedition departs from North Dakota and enters present-day South Dakota on their return journey. This transition signifies a key phase in their exploration of the western territories.
The Corps of Discovery encountered around 100 Sioux warriors, prompting Clark to warn them that any approaching Sioux would be killed.
On September 17, 1806, Lewis and Clark learn that many Americans presume them dead, highlighting the lack of communication during their expedition.
After a long expedition, the Corps of Discovery led by Lewis and Clark finally arrives in St. Louis, marking the end of their journey. They have been away for two years, four months, and 10 days.
The day after their arrival, Lewis and Clark engage in correspondence by writing letters. They also take some time to shop in St. Louis.
Lewis and Clark attend a dinner and ball event in St. Louis, likely as part of the celebrations following their return from the expedition.
On September 26th, William Clark begins writing and other activities as noted in his journal.
On October 21st, the famous explorers Lewis and Clark start their journey from St. Louis.
On November 5th, Lewis and Clark are located in Louisville, Kentucky.
Lewis sends a letter to Secretary Dearborn from Staunton, Virginia.
Meriwether Lewis reaches Washington D.C. after his journey.
President Jefferson welcomes Meriwether Lewis and Sheheke, a chief of the Mandans, in Washington D.C.
A public reception is held in Fincastle, Virginia to honor William Clark.
A reception is held at the White House to honor and welcome explorers Meriwether Lewis and Sheheke.
Meriwether Lewis sends a list of military personnel and his observations to Secretary Dearborn.
William Clark reaches Washington for official matters related to the expedition.
President Jefferson nominates Meriwether Lewis to govern Upper Louisiana, and Clark as Lieutenant Colonel (Clark's nomination is not approved).
William Clark is designated as the Agent for Indian Affairs for the Louisiana Territory.
William Clark leaves Washington D.C. for his next assignment or destination.
Captain Clark is located in St. Louis by May 1st.
Charles Wilson Peale completes the sketch for Captain Lewis' portrait by May 5th.
Captain Lewis pays a visit to Barton in Philadelphia on May 9th.
Captain Clark holds a council with Sioux chiefs at St. Louis on May 22nd.
Captain Lewis has a meeting with the American Philosophical Society on June 19th.
On August 18, 1807, Meriwether Lewis wrote to William Eustis, expressing his plans to leave St. Louis for Washington D.C. by the following Thursday.
Meriwether Lewis attended his final Governor’s Council meeting on August 30, 1807.
On September 11, 1807, Meriwether Lewis created his final will and testament.
Meriwether Lewis reached Fort Pickering at Chickasaw Bluffs, Tennessee on September 15, 1807.
On September 16, 1807, Meriwether Lewis informed President Madison of his decision to travel by land from Fort Pickering.
On September 21, 1807, the Clarks embarked on their journey from St. Louis towards the East.
By September 28, 1807, the Clarks had arrived at Lusk’s Ferry in Illinois.
On September 29, 1807, Meriwether Lewis left Fort Pickering to continue his journey.
On January 5, Clark married Julia Hancock in Fincastle, Virginia.
On February 20, 1808, William Clark writes a letter from Fincastle to Nicholas Biddle, inviting him to come to Fincastle to discuss the book.
On March 8, Lewis arrived in St. Louis and likely stayed there until September 4, 1809.
On April 12, the Clarks arrived in Louisville.
On May 22, 1808, William Clark is in Louisville and sends a letter to Nicholas Biddle via Shannon.
On July 9, 1808, William Clark arrives in St. Louis.
On February 24, 1809, Lewis and Clark signed an agreement with the Missouri Fur Company to return Sheheke to the Mandan village. This agreement was significant in the context of their expedition and interactions with Native American tribes.
On September 4, 1809, William Clark's party reached Fire Prairie, a location 300 miles from the mouth of the Missouri River in the heart of Osage country. This marked a significant milestone in their expedition.
On September 5-6, 1809, William Clark's party started building a fort at Fire Prairie, marking an important development in their journey through the Osage country. This fort served as a strategic base for their activities.
Meriwether Lewis passes away at Grinder’s Stand on the Natchez Trace near present-day Hohenwald, Tennessee.
William Clark is located in Louisville, Kentucky.
William Clark receives the news of Meriwether Lewis' death.
William Clark reaches Fincastle, Virginia.
William Clark visits Mrs. Marks, who is the mother of Meriwether Lewis, in Charlottesville, Virginia.
William Clark reaches Washington D.C.
By January 26, William Clark has met with Pursh, Peale, and Hassler in Philadelphia to discuss the publication.
In 1811, William Clark stays in St. Louis and the surrounding area.
On May 5, 1812, William Clark departs from St. Louis for the East.
On July 1, 1813, William Clark was appointed as the Governor of Upper Louisiana.
On March 24, 1814, Biddle wrote to Clark to announce the publication of the Travels.
In 1893, Elliott Coues published a reprint of the Biddle edition of the journals with the addition of footnotes on natural history and geography.
In 1904, Reuben Gold Thwaites began the publication of the complete journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in eight volumes.
In 1916, Milo Quaife published Lewis' and Ordway's journals for their trip down the Ohio River.
In 1962, Donald Jackson's 'Letters of the Lewis and Clark Expedition' was published.
In 1964, Ernest Staples Osgood published 'The Field Notes of Captain William Clark.'
In 1978, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail was established through Public Law 95-625, commemorating the historic expedition of Lewis and Clark.
Lewis and Clark Expedition
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