1801–1804
Planning & Preparation
President Jefferson conceived the expedition after years of planning. Meriwether Lewis was appointed to lead, recruited William Clark as co-commander, and spent months assembling supplies, recruiting men, and training at Camp Dubois near St. Louis.
267
Journal Entries
2
Key Figures
3
Wildlife & Plants
1
Artwork
7
Weapons & Equipment
16
Documents
2
Allied Sites
1
Research Articles
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Journal Entries
267 itemsCamp Dubois: April 1, 1804
Lewis returned to Camp Dubois from St. Louis with additional intelligence and supplies. The Spanish lieutenant governor in St. Louis had been wary of the American expedition, and Lewis navigated…
Camp Dubois: April 10, 1804
The men continued training at Camp Dubois under Clark’s supervision. Daily routines included military drills, marksmanship practice, and boat handling exercises. Clark maintained strict discipline, as the success of the…
Camp Dubois: April 11, 1804
Lewis was frequently away at St. Louis, meeting with traders, Spanish officials, and anyone who had knowledge of the Missouri River and the lands beyond. He gathered crucial intelligence about…
Camp Dubois: April 12, 1804
Clark worked on maps and charts at Camp Dubois, compiling information from fur traders and earlier explorers. He began drafting the route maps that would guide the expedition up the…
Camp Dubois: April 13, 1804
The recruits at Camp Dubois continued their preparations. Issues of discipline arose periodically — some men were caught drinking or fighting — and Clark dealt with infractions firmly. The winter…
Camp Dubois: April 14, 1804
Supply organization continued at Camp Dubois. The expedition’s stores were cataloged, packed, and arranged for efficient loading onto the keelboat and pirogues. Every item had to justify its weight, as…
Camp Dubois: April 15, 1804
Lewis returned to Camp Dubois from St. Louis with additional intelligence and supplies. The Spanish lieutenant governor in St. Louis had been wary of the American expedition, and Lewis navigated…
Camp Dubois: April 16, 1804
Training exercises at Camp Dubois focused on river navigation skills. The men practiced poling, rowing, and cordelling (towing with ropes from shore) — techniques they would need daily on the…
Camp Dubois: April 17, 1804
The men continued training at Camp Dubois under Clark’s supervision. Daily routines included military drills, marksmanship practice, and boat handling exercises. Clark maintained strict discipline, as the success of the…
Camp Dubois: April 18, 1804
Lewis was frequently away at St. Louis, meeting with traders, Spanish officials, and anyone who had knowledge of the Missouri River and the lands beyond. He gathered crucial intelligence about…
Camp Dubois: April 19, 1804
Clark worked on maps and charts at Camp Dubois, compiling information from fur traders and earlier explorers. He began drafting the route maps that would guide the expedition up the…
Camp Dubois: April 2, 1804
Training exercises at Camp Dubois focused on river navigation skills. The men practiced poling, rowing, and cordelling (towing with ropes from shore) — techniques they would need daily on the…
Camp Dubois: April 20, 1804
The recruits at Camp Dubois continued their preparations. Issues of discipline arose periodically — some men were caught drinking or fighting — and Clark dealt with infractions firmly. The winter…
Camp Dubois: April 21, 1804
Supply organization continued at Camp Dubois. The expedition’s stores were cataloged, packed, and arranged for efficient loading onto the keelboat and pirogues. Every item had to justify its weight, as…
Camp Dubois: April 22, 1804
Lewis returned to Camp Dubois from St. Louis with additional intelligence and supplies. The Spanish lieutenant governor in St. Louis had been wary of the American expedition, and Lewis navigated…
Camp Dubois: April 23, 1804
Training exercises at Camp Dubois focused on river navigation skills. The men practiced poling, rowing, and cordelling (towing with ropes from shore) — techniques they would need daily on the…
Camp Dubois: April 24, 1804
The men continued training at Camp Dubois under Clark’s supervision. Daily routines included military drills, marksmanship practice, and boat handling exercises. Clark maintained strict discipline, as the success of the…
Camp Dubois: April 25, 1804
Lewis was frequently away at St. Louis, meeting with traders, Spanish officials, and anyone who had knowledge of the Missouri River and the lands beyond. He gathered crucial intelligence about…
Camp Dubois: April 26, 1804
Clark worked on maps and charts at Camp Dubois, compiling information from fur traders and earlier explorers. He began drafting the route maps that would guide the expedition up the…
Camp Dubois: April 27, 1804
The recruits at Camp Dubois continued their preparations. Issues of discipline arose periodically — some men were caught drinking or fighting — and Clark dealt with infractions firmly. The winter…
Camp Dubois: April 28, 1804
Supply organization continued at Camp Dubois. The expedition’s stores were cataloged, packed, and arranged for efficient loading onto the keelboat and pirogues. Every item had to justify its weight, as…
Camp Dubois: April 29, 1804
Lewis returned to Camp Dubois from St. Louis with additional intelligence and supplies. The Spanish lieutenant governor in St. Louis had been wary of the American expedition, and Lewis navigated…
Camp Dubois: April 3, 1804
The men continued training at Camp Dubois under Clark’s supervision. Daily routines included military drills, marksmanship practice, and boat handling exercises. Clark maintained strict discipline, as the success of the…
Camp Dubois: April 30, 1804
Training exercises at Camp Dubois focused on river navigation skills. The men practiced poling, rowing, and cordelling (towing with ropes from shore) — techniques they would need daily on the…
Camp Dubois: April 4, 1804
Lewis was frequently away at St. Louis, meeting with traders, Spanish officials, and anyone who had knowledge of the Missouri River and the lands beyond. He gathered crucial intelligence about…
Camp Dubois: April 5, 1804
Clark worked on maps and charts at Camp Dubois, compiling information from fur traders and earlier explorers. He began drafting the route maps that would guide the expedition up the…
Camp Dubois: April 6, 1804
The recruits at Camp Dubois continued their preparations. Issues of discipline arose periodically — some men were caught drinking or fighting — and Clark dealt with infractions firmly. The winter…
Camp Dubois: April 7, 1804
Supply organization continued at Camp Dubois. The expedition’s stores were cataloged, packed, and arranged for efficient loading onto the keelboat and pirogues. Every item had to justify its weight, as…
Camp Dubois: April 8, 1804
Lewis returned to Camp Dubois from St. Louis with additional intelligence and supplies. The Spanish lieutenant governor in St. Louis had been wary of the American expedition, and Lewis navigated…
Camp Dubois: April 9, 1804
Training exercises at Camp Dubois focused on river navigation skills. The men practiced poling, rowing, and cordelling (towing with ropes from shore) — techniques they would need daily on the…
Camp Dubois: December 1, 1803
Lewis and Clark arrived at the mouth of the Wood River (Riviere du Bois) on the Illinois side of the Mississippi, opposite the mouth of the Missouri River. They selected…
Camp Dubois: December 10, 1803
Lewis and Clark arrived at the mouth of the Wood River (Riviere du Bois) on the Illinois side of the Mississippi, opposite the mouth of the Missouri River. They selected…
Camp Dubois: December 11, 1803
Lewis and Clark arrived at the mouth of the Wood River (Riviere du Bois) on the Illinois side of the Mississippi, opposite the mouth of the Missouri River. They selected…
Camp Dubois: December 12, 1803
Lewis and Clark arrived at the mouth of the Wood River (Riviere du Bois) on the Illinois side of the Mississippi, opposite the mouth of the Missouri River. They selected…
Camp Dubois: December 13, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 14, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 15, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 16, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 17, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 18, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 19, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 2, 1803
Lewis and Clark arrived at the mouth of the Wood River (Riviere du Bois) on the Illinois side of the Mississippi, opposite the mouth of the Missouri River. They selected…
Camp Dubois: December 20, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 21, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 22, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 23, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 24, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 25, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 26, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 27, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 28, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 29, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 3, 1803
Lewis and Clark arrived at the mouth of the Wood River (Riviere du Bois) on the Illinois side of the Mississippi, opposite the mouth of the Missouri River. They selected…
Camp Dubois: December 30, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 31, 1803
At Camp Dubois, the men constructed winter huts and began the rigorous training program that would prepare them for the journey ahead. Clark supervised daily drills, discipline, and camp construction…
Camp Dubois: December 4, 1803
Lewis and Clark arrived at the mouth of the Wood River (Riviere du Bois) on the Illinois side of the Mississippi, opposite the mouth of the Missouri River. They selected…
Camp Dubois: December 5, 1803
Lewis and Clark arrived at the mouth of the Wood River (Riviere du Bois) on the Illinois side of the Mississippi, opposite the mouth of the Missouri River. They selected…
Camp Dubois: December 6, 1803
Lewis and Clark arrived at the mouth of the Wood River (Riviere du Bois) on the Illinois side of the Mississippi, opposite the mouth of the Missouri River. They selected…
Camp Dubois: December 7, 1803
Lewis and Clark arrived at the mouth of the Wood River (Riviere du Bois) on the Illinois side of the Mississippi, opposite the mouth of the Missouri River. They selected…
Camp Dubois: December 8, 1803
Lewis and Clark arrived at the mouth of the Wood River (Riviere du Bois) on the Illinois side of the Mississippi, opposite the mouth of the Missouri River. They selected…
Camp Dubois: December 9, 1803
Lewis and Clark arrived at the mouth of the Wood River (Riviere du Bois) on the Illinois side of the Mississippi, opposite the mouth of the Missouri River. They selected…
Camp Dubois: February 1, 1804
The recruits at Camp Dubois continued their preparations. Issues of discipline arose periodically — some men were caught drinking or fighting — and Clark dealt with infractions firmly. The winter…
Camp Dubois: February 10, 1804
Lewis returned to Camp Dubois from St. Louis with additional intelligence and supplies. The Spanish lieutenant governor in St. Louis had been wary of the American expedition, and Lewis navigated…
Camp Dubois: February 11, 1804
Training exercises at Camp Dubois focused on river navigation skills. The men practiced poling, rowing, and cordelling (towing with ropes from shore) — techniques they would need daily on the…
Camp Dubois: February 12, 1804
The men continued training at Camp Dubois under Clark’s supervision. Daily routines included military drills, marksmanship practice, and boat handling exercises. Clark maintained strict discipline, as the success of the…
Camp Dubois: February 13, 1804
Lewis was frequently away at St. Louis, meeting with traders, Spanish officials, and anyone who had knowledge of the Missouri River and the lands beyond. He gathered crucial intelligence about…
Camp Dubois: February 14, 1804
Clark worked on maps and charts at Camp Dubois, compiling information from fur traders and earlier explorers. He began drafting the route maps that would guide the expedition up the…
Camp Dubois: February 15, 1804
The recruits at Camp Dubois continued their preparations. Issues of discipline arose periodically — some men were caught drinking or fighting — and Clark dealt with infractions firmly. The winter…
Camp Dubois: February 16, 1804
Supply organization continued at Camp Dubois. The expedition’s stores were cataloged, packed, and arranged for efficient loading onto the keelboat and pirogues. Every item had to justify its weight, as…
Camp Dubois: February 17, 1804
Lewis returned to Camp Dubois from St. Louis with additional intelligence and supplies. The Spanish lieutenant governor in St. Louis had been wary of the American expedition, and Lewis navigated…
Camp Dubois: February 18, 1804
Training exercises at Camp Dubois focused on river navigation skills. The men practiced poling, rowing, and cordelling (towing with ropes from shore) — techniques they would need daily on the…
Camp Dubois: February 19, 1804
The men continued training at Camp Dubois under Clark’s supervision. Daily routines included military drills, marksmanship practice, and boat handling exercises. Clark maintained strict discipline, as the success of the…
Camp Dubois: February 2, 1804
Supply organization continued at Camp Dubois. The expedition’s stores were cataloged, packed, and arranged for efficient loading onto the keelboat and pirogues. Every item had to justify its weight, as…
Camp Dubois: February 20, 1804
Lewis was frequently away at St. Louis, meeting with traders, Spanish officials, and anyone who had knowledge of the Missouri River and the lands beyond. He gathered crucial intelligence about…
Camp Dubois: February 21, 1804
Clark worked on maps and charts at Camp Dubois, compiling information from fur traders and earlier explorers. He began drafting the route maps that would guide the expedition up the…
Camp Dubois: February 22, 1804
The recruits at Camp Dubois continued their preparations. Issues of discipline arose periodically — some men were caught drinking or fighting — and Clark dealt with infractions firmly. The winter…
Camp Dubois: February 23, 1804
Supply organization continued at Camp Dubois. The expedition’s stores were cataloged, packed, and arranged for efficient loading onto the keelboat and pirogues. Every item had to justify its weight, as…
Camp Dubois: February 24, 1804
Lewis returned to Camp Dubois from St. Louis with additional intelligence and supplies. The Spanish lieutenant governor in St. Louis had been wary of the American expedition, and Lewis navigated…
Camp Dubois: February 25, 1804
Training exercises at Camp Dubois focused on river navigation skills. The men practiced poling, rowing, and cordelling (towing with ropes from shore) — techniques they would need daily on the…
Camp Dubois: February 26, 1804
The men continued training at Camp Dubois under Clark’s supervision. Daily routines included military drills, marksmanship practice, and boat handling exercises. Clark maintained strict discipline, as the success of the…
Camp Dubois: February 27, 1804
Lewis was frequently away at St. Louis, meeting with traders, Spanish officials, and anyone who had knowledge of the Missouri River and the lands beyond. He gathered crucial intelligence about…
Camp Dubois: February 28, 1804
Clark worked on maps and charts at Camp Dubois, compiling information from fur traders and earlier explorers. He began drafting the route maps that would guide the expedition up the…
Camp Dubois: February 29, 1804
The recruits at Camp Dubois continued their preparations. Issues of discipline arose periodically — some men were caught drinking or fighting — and Clark dealt with infractions firmly. The winter…
Camp Dubois: February 3, 1804
Lewis returned to Camp Dubois from St. Louis with additional intelligence and supplies. The Spanish lieutenant governor in St. Louis had been wary of the American expedition, and Lewis navigated…
Camp Dubois: February 4, 1804
Training exercises at Camp Dubois focused on river navigation skills. The men practiced poling, rowing, and cordelling (towing with ropes from shore) — techniques they would need daily on the…
Camp Dubois: February 5, 1804
The men continued training at Camp Dubois under Clark’s supervision. Daily routines included military drills, marksmanship practice, and boat handling exercises. Clark maintained strict discipline, as the success of the…
Camp Dubois: February 6, 1804
Lewis was frequently away at St. Louis, meeting with traders, Spanish officials, and anyone who had knowledge of the Missouri River and the lands beyond. He gathered crucial intelligence about…
Camp Dubois: February 7, 1804
Clark worked on maps and charts at Camp Dubois, compiling information from fur traders and earlier explorers. He began drafting the route maps that would guide the expedition up the…
Camp Dubois: February 8, 1804
The recruits at Camp Dubois continued their preparations. Issues of discipline arose periodically — some men were caught drinking or fighting — and Clark dealt with infractions firmly. The winter…
Camp Dubois: February 9, 1804
Supply organization continued at Camp Dubois. The expedition’s stores were cataloged, packed, and arranged for efficient loading onto the keelboat and pirogues. Every item had to justify its weight, as…
Camp Dubois: January 1, 1804
Clark worked on maps and charts at Camp Dubois, compiling information from fur traders and earlier explorers. He began drafting the route maps that would guide the expedition up the…
Camp Dubois: January 10, 1804
Supply organization continued at Camp Dubois. The expedition’s stores were cataloged, packed, and arranged for efficient loading onto the keelboat and pirogues. Every item had to justify its weight, as…
Camp Dubois: January 11, 1804
Lewis returned to Camp Dubois from St. Louis with additional intelligence and supplies. The Spanish lieutenant governor in St. Louis had been wary of the American expedition, and Lewis navigated…
Camp Dubois: January 12, 1804
Training exercises at Camp Dubois focused on river navigation skills. The men practiced poling, rowing, and cordelling (towing with ropes from shore) — techniques they would need daily on the…
Camp Dubois: January 13, 1804
The men continued training at Camp Dubois under Clark’s supervision. Daily routines included military drills, marksmanship practice, and boat handling exercises. Clark maintained strict discipline, as the success of the…
Camp Dubois: January 14, 1804
Lewis was frequently away at St. Louis, meeting with traders, Spanish officials, and anyone who had knowledge of the Missouri River and the lands beyond. He gathered crucial intelligence about…
Camp Dubois: January 15, 1804
Clark worked on maps and charts at Camp Dubois, compiling information from fur traders and earlier explorers. He began drafting the route maps that would guide the expedition up the…
Camp Dubois: January 16, 1804
The recruits at Camp Dubois continued their preparations. Issues of discipline arose periodically — some men were caught drinking or fighting — and Clark dealt with infractions firmly. The winter…
Camp Dubois: January 17, 1804
Supply organization continued at Camp Dubois. The expedition’s stores were cataloged, packed, and arranged for efficient loading onto the keelboat and pirogues. Every item had to justify its weight, as…
Camp Dubois: January 18, 1804
Lewis returned to Camp Dubois from St. Louis with additional intelligence and supplies. The Spanish lieutenant governor in St. Louis had been wary of the American expedition, and Lewis navigated…
Camp Dubois: January 19, 1804
Training exercises at Camp Dubois focused on river navigation skills. The men practiced poling, rowing, and cordelling (towing with ropes from shore) — techniques they would need daily on the…
Camp Dubois: January 2, 1804
The recruits at Camp Dubois continued their preparations. Issues of discipline arose periodically — some men were caught drinking or fighting — and Clark dealt with infractions firmly. The winter…
Camp Dubois: January 20, 1804
The men continued training at Camp Dubois under Clark’s supervision. Daily routines included military drills, marksmanship practice, and boat handling exercises. Clark maintained strict discipline, as the success of the…
Camp Dubois: January 21, 1804
Lewis was frequently away at St. Louis, meeting with traders, Spanish officials, and anyone who had knowledge of the Missouri River and the lands beyond. He gathered crucial intelligence about…
Camp Dubois: January 22, 1804
Clark worked on maps and charts at Camp Dubois, compiling information from fur traders and earlier explorers. He began drafting the route maps that would guide the expedition up the…
Camp Dubois: January 23, 1804
The recruits at Camp Dubois continued their preparations. Issues of discipline arose periodically — some men were caught drinking or fighting — and Clark dealt with infractions firmly. The winter…
Camp Dubois: January 24, 1804
Supply organization continued at Camp Dubois. The expedition’s stores were cataloged, packed, and arranged for efficient loading onto the keelboat and pirogues. Every item had to justify its weight, as…
Camp Dubois: January 25, 1804
Lewis returned to Camp Dubois from St. Louis with additional intelligence and supplies. The Spanish lieutenant governor in St. Louis had been wary of the American expedition, and Lewis navigated…
Camp Dubois: January 26, 1804
Training exercises at Camp Dubois focused on river navigation skills. The men practiced poling, rowing, and cordelling (towing with ropes from shore) — techniques they would need daily on the…
Camp Dubois: January 27, 1804
The men continued training at Camp Dubois under Clark’s supervision. Daily routines included military drills, marksmanship practice, and boat handling exercises. Clark maintained strict discipline, as the success of the…
Camp Dubois: January 28, 1804
Lewis was frequently away at St. Louis, meeting with traders, Spanish officials, and anyone who had knowledge of the Missouri River and the lands beyond. He gathered crucial intelligence about…
Camp Dubois: January 29, 1804
Clark worked on maps and charts at Camp Dubois, compiling information from fur traders and earlier explorers. He began drafting the route maps that would guide the expedition up the…
Camp Dubois: January 3, 1804
Supply organization continued at Camp Dubois. The expedition’s stores were cataloged, packed, and arranged for efficient loading onto the keelboat and pirogues. Every item had to justify its weight, as…
Camp Dubois: January 30, 1804
The recruits at Camp Dubois continued their preparations. Issues of discipline arose periodically — some men were caught drinking or fighting — and Clark dealt with infractions firmly. The winter…
Camp Dubois: January 31, 1804
Supply organization continued at Camp Dubois. The expedition’s stores were cataloged, packed, and arranged for efficient loading onto the keelboat and pirogues. Every item had to justify its weight, as…
Camp Dubois: January 4, 1804
Lewis returned to Camp Dubois from St. Louis with additional intelligence and supplies. The Spanish lieutenant governor in St. Louis had been wary of the American expedition, and Lewis navigated…
Camp Dubois: January 5, 1804
Training exercises at Camp Dubois focused on river navigation skills. The men practiced poling, rowing, and cordelling (towing with ropes from shore) — techniques they would need daily on the…
Camp Dubois: January 6, 1804
The men continued training at Camp Dubois under Clark’s supervision. Daily routines included military drills, marksmanship practice, and boat handling exercises. Clark maintained strict discipline, as the success of the…
Camp Dubois: January 7, 1804
Lewis was frequently away at St. Louis, meeting with traders, Spanish officials, and anyone who had knowledge of the Missouri River and the lands beyond. He gathered crucial intelligence about…
Camp Dubois: January 8, 1804
Clark worked on maps and charts at Camp Dubois, compiling information from fur traders and earlier explorers. He began drafting the route maps that would guide the expedition up the…
Camp Dubois: January 9, 1804
The recruits at Camp Dubois continued their preparations. Issues of discipline arose periodically — some men were caught drinking or fighting — and Clark dealt with infractions firmly. The winter…
Camp Dubois: March 1, 1804
Supply organization continued at Camp Dubois. The expedition’s stores were cataloged, packed, and arranged for efficient loading onto the keelboat and pirogues. Every item had to justify its weight, as…
Camp Dubois: March 10, 1804
Training exercises at Camp Dubois focused on river navigation skills. The men practiced poling, rowing, and cordelling (towing with ropes from shore) — techniques they would need daily on the…
Camp Dubois: March 11, 1804
The men continued training at Camp Dubois under Clark’s supervision. Daily routines included military drills, marksmanship practice, and boat handling exercises. Clark maintained strict discipline, as the success of the…
Camp Dubois: March 12, 1804
Lewis was frequently away at St. Louis, meeting with traders, Spanish officials, and anyone who had knowledge of the Missouri River and the lands beyond. He gathered crucial intelligence about…
Camp Dubois: March 13, 1804
Clark worked on maps and charts at Camp Dubois, compiling information from fur traders and earlier explorers. He began drafting the route maps that would guide the expedition up the…
Camp Dubois: March 14, 1804
The recruits at Camp Dubois continued their preparations. Issues of discipline arose periodically — some men were caught drinking or fighting — and Clark dealt with infractions firmly. The winter…
Camp Dubois: March 15, 1804
Supply organization continued at Camp Dubois. The expedition’s stores were cataloged, packed, and arranged for efficient loading onto the keelboat and pirogues. Every item had to justify its weight, as…
Camp Dubois: March 16, 1804
Lewis returned to Camp Dubois from St. Louis with additional intelligence and supplies. The Spanish lieutenant governor in St. Louis had been wary of the American expedition, and Lewis navigated…
Camp Dubois: March 17, 1804
Training exercises at Camp Dubois focused on river navigation skills. The men practiced poling, rowing, and cordelling (towing with ropes from shore) — techniques they would need daily on the…
Camp Dubois: March 18, 1804
The men continued training at Camp Dubois under Clark’s supervision. Daily routines included military drills, marksmanship practice, and boat handling exercises. Clark maintained strict discipline, as the success of the…
Camp Dubois: March 19, 1804
Lewis was frequently away at St. Louis, meeting with traders, Spanish officials, and anyone who had knowledge of the Missouri River and the lands beyond. He gathered crucial intelligence about…
Camp Dubois: March 2, 1804
Lewis returned to Camp Dubois from St. Louis with additional intelligence and supplies. The Spanish lieutenant governor in St. Louis had been wary of the American expedition, and Lewis navigated…
Camp Dubois: March 20, 1804
Clark worked on maps and charts at Camp Dubois, compiling information from fur traders and earlier explorers. He began drafting the route maps that would guide the expedition up the…
Camp Dubois: March 21, 1804
The recruits at Camp Dubois continued their preparations. Issues of discipline arose periodically — some men were caught drinking or fighting — and Clark dealt with infractions firmly. The winter…
Camp Dubois: March 22, 1804
Supply organization continued at Camp Dubois. The expedition’s stores were cataloged, packed, and arranged for efficient loading onto the keelboat and pirogues. Every item had to justify its weight, as…
Camp Dubois: March 23, 1804
Lewis returned to Camp Dubois from St. Louis with additional intelligence and supplies. The Spanish lieutenant governor in St. Louis had been wary of the American expedition, and Lewis navigated…
Camp Dubois: March 24, 1804
Training exercises at Camp Dubois focused on river navigation skills. The men practiced poling, rowing, and cordelling (towing with ropes from shore) — techniques they would need daily on the…
Camp Dubois: March 25, 1804
The men continued training at Camp Dubois under Clark’s supervision. Daily routines included military drills, marksmanship practice, and boat handling exercises. Clark maintained strict discipline, as the success of the…
Camp Dubois: March 26, 1804
Lewis was frequently away at St. Louis, meeting with traders, Spanish officials, and anyone who had knowledge of the Missouri River and the lands beyond. He gathered crucial intelligence about…
Camp Dubois: March 27, 1804
Clark worked on maps and charts at Camp Dubois, compiling information from fur traders and earlier explorers. He began drafting the route maps that would guide the expedition up the…
Camp Dubois: March 28, 1804
The recruits at Camp Dubois continued their preparations. Issues of discipline arose periodically — some men were caught drinking or fighting — and Clark dealt with infractions firmly. The winter…
Camp Dubois: March 29, 1804
Supply organization continued at Camp Dubois. The expedition’s stores were cataloged, packed, and arranged for efficient loading onto the keelboat and pirogues. Every item had to justify its weight, as…
Camp Dubois: March 3, 1804
Training exercises at Camp Dubois focused on river navigation skills. The men practiced poling, rowing, and cordelling (towing with ropes from shore) — techniques they would need daily on the…
Camp Dubois: March 30, 1804
Lewis returned to Camp Dubois from St. Louis with additional intelligence and supplies. The Spanish lieutenant governor in St. Louis had been wary of the American expedition, and Lewis navigated…
Camp Dubois: March 31, 1804
Training exercises at Camp Dubois focused on river navigation skills. The men practiced poling, rowing, and cordelling (towing with ropes from shore) — techniques they would need daily on the…
Camp Dubois: March 4, 1804
The men continued training at Camp Dubois under Clark’s supervision. Daily routines included military drills, marksmanship practice, and boat handling exercises. Clark maintained strict discipline, as the success of the…
Camp Dubois: March 5, 1804
Lewis was frequently away at St. Louis, meeting with traders, Spanish officials, and anyone who had knowledge of the Missouri River and the lands beyond. He gathered crucial intelligence about…
Camp Dubois: March 6, 1804
Clark worked on maps and charts at Camp Dubois, compiling information from fur traders and earlier explorers. He began drafting the route maps that would guide the expedition up the…
Camp Dubois: March 7, 1804
The recruits at Camp Dubois continued their preparations. Issues of discipline arose periodically — some men were caught drinking or fighting — and Clark dealt with infractions firmly. The winter…
Camp Dubois: March 8, 1804
Supply organization continued at Camp Dubois. The expedition’s stores were cataloged, packed, and arranged for efficient loading onto the keelboat and pirogues. Every item had to justify its weight, as…
Camp Dubois: March 9, 1804
Lewis returned to Camp Dubois from St. Louis with additional intelligence and supplies. The Spanish lieutenant governor in St. Louis had been wary of the American expedition, and Lewis navigated…
Camp Dubois: May 1, 1804
Final preparations intensified at Camp Dubois as departure day approached. Lewis and Clark reviewed the roster of the permanent party, making final decisions about which men would make the full…
Camp Dubois: May 10, 1804
Last days at Camp Dubois. The men made final personal preparations for the great journey ahead. Some wrote letters; others simply waited with growing anticipation.
Camp Dubois: May 11, 1804
Camp Dubois was nearly struck as departure day neared. The months of training, planning, and preparation were about to be tested on the Missouri River.
Camp Dubois: May 12, 1804
The penultimate day at Camp Dubois. Tomorrow the boats would push off into the Missouri River current, beginning one of the greatest journeys of exploration in American history.
Camp Dubois: May 2, 1804
The keelboat and two pirogues were loaded with supplies for the journey. Clark supervised the careful distribution of weight and the organization of cargo for quick access to essential items.
Camp Dubois: May 3, 1804
Lewis attended to last-minute business in St. Louis while Clark continued organizing the camp for departure. The men were eager to begin after months of winter preparation.
Camp Dubois: May 4, 1804
Clark conducted final inspections of equipment and supplies. The expedition would carry enough provisions for months, plus trade goods, weapons, ammunition, and scientific instruments.
Camp Dubois: May 5, 1804
Lewis sent final dispatches to President Jefferson from St. Louis, reporting on the expedition’s readiness and the intelligence gathered about the Missouri River route.
Camp Dubois: May 6, 1804
The Corps made final preparations. Clark assigned men to specific boats and duties. The permanent party, temporary engagés, and soldiers returning from the Mandan villages were organized into functional squads.
Camp Dubois: May 7, 1804
Excitement grew at Camp Dubois as departure approached. The men cleaned and inspected their weapons, checked their personal gear, and wrote letters home that might be their last for years.
Camp Dubois: May 8, 1804
Lewis returned from St. Louis to Camp Dubois for the final days before departure. He and Clark reviewed their plans and instructions one final time.
Camp Dubois: May 9, 1804
The boats were fully loaded and ready. Lewis and Clark held a final review of the men, their equipment, and their provisions. Everything was as prepared as it could be.
Departure: May 13, 1804
The final day at Camp Dubois. Clark set off with the main party in the afternoon, proceeding up the Missouri River about four miles in a heavy rain. Lewis would…
Eve of Departure from Pittsburgh
Lewis made his final arrangements in Pittsburgh before the next day’s departure. He settled accounts with merchants, sent a final letter to President Jefferson reporting his readiness, and reviewed the…
Final Days of Waiting in Pittsburgh
Lewis grew increasingly anxious about the falling water levels on the Ohio River. Every day of delay meant shallower water and more difficulty navigating downstream. The boat builder promised the…
Final Preparations at Pittsburgh
Lewis made final preparations for departure, loading supplies onto the keelboat and arranging for additional crew members to help navigate the Ohio River. He hired several experienced river hands for…
Lewis & Clark: November 1, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued from Clarksville down the Ohio River with their growing company of recruits. They passed Fort Massac, an old French fortification on the Illinois shore, where they…
Lewis & Clark: November 10, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued from Clarksville down the Ohio River with their growing company of recruits. They passed Fort Massac, an old French fortification on the Illinois shore, where they…
Lewis & Clark: November 11, 1803
The party reached the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers at present-day Cairo, Illinois. They began the difficult ascent of the Mississippi, fighting the powerful current as they headed…
Lewis & Clark: November 12, 1803
The party reached the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers at present-day Cairo, Illinois. They began the difficult ascent of the Mississippi, fighting the powerful current as they headed…
Lewis & Clark: November 13, 1803
The party reached the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers at present-day Cairo, Illinois. They began the difficult ascent of the Mississippi, fighting the powerful current as they headed…
Lewis & Clark: November 14, 1803
The party reached the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers at present-day Cairo, Illinois. They began the difficult ascent of the Mississippi, fighting the powerful current as they headed…
Lewis & Clark: November 15, 1803
The party reached the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers at present-day Cairo, Illinois. They began the difficult ascent of the Mississippi, fighting the powerful current as they headed…
Lewis & Clark: November 16, 1803
The party reached the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers at present-day Cairo, Illinois. They began the difficult ascent of the Mississippi, fighting the powerful current as they headed…
Lewis & Clark: November 17, 1803
The party reached the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers at present-day Cairo, Illinois. They began the difficult ascent of the Mississippi, fighting the powerful current as they headed…
Lewis & Clark: November 18, 1803
The party reached the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers at present-day Cairo, Illinois. They began the difficult ascent of the Mississippi, fighting the powerful current as they headed…
Lewis & Clark: November 19, 1803
The party reached the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers at present-day Cairo, Illinois. They began the difficult ascent of the Mississippi, fighting the powerful current as they headed…
Lewis & Clark: November 2, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued from Clarksville down the Ohio River with their growing company of recruits. They passed Fort Massac, an old French fortification on the Illinois shore, where they…
Lewis & Clark: November 20, 1803
The party reached the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers at present-day Cairo, Illinois. They began the difficult ascent of the Mississippi, fighting the powerful current as they headed…
Lewis & Clark: November 21, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued up the Mississippi River toward the mouth of the Missouri. The Mississippi’s strong current made progress slow, but the crew was gaining experience working together that…
Lewis & Clark: November 22, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued up the Mississippi River toward the mouth of the Missouri. The Mississippi’s strong current made progress slow, but the crew was gaining experience working together that…
Lewis & Clark: November 23, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued up the Mississippi River toward the mouth of the Missouri. The Mississippi’s strong current made progress slow, but the crew was gaining experience working together that…
Lewis & Clark: November 24, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued up the Mississippi River toward the mouth of the Missouri. The Mississippi’s strong current made progress slow, but the crew was gaining experience working together that…
Lewis & Clark: November 25, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued up the Mississippi River toward the mouth of the Missouri. The Mississippi’s strong current made progress slow, but the crew was gaining experience working together that…
Lewis & Clark: November 26, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued up the Mississippi River toward the mouth of the Missouri. The Mississippi’s strong current made progress slow, but the crew was gaining experience working together that…
Lewis & Clark: November 27, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued up the Mississippi River toward the mouth of the Missouri. The Mississippi’s strong current made progress slow, but the crew was gaining experience working together that…
Lewis & Clark: November 28, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued up the Mississippi River toward the mouth of the Missouri. The Mississippi’s strong current made progress slow, but the crew was gaining experience working together that…
Lewis & Clark: November 29, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued up the Mississippi River toward the mouth of the Missouri. The Mississippi’s strong current made progress slow, but the crew was gaining experience working together that…
Lewis & Clark: November 3, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued from Clarksville down the Ohio River with their growing company of recruits. They passed Fort Massac, an old French fortification on the Illinois shore, where they…
Lewis & Clark: November 30, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued up the Mississippi River toward the mouth of the Missouri. The Mississippi’s strong current made progress slow, but the crew was gaining experience working together that…
Lewis & Clark: November 4, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued from Clarksville down the Ohio River with their growing company of recruits. They passed Fort Massac, an old French fortification on the Illinois shore, where they…
Lewis & Clark: November 5, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued from Clarksville down the Ohio River with their growing company of recruits. They passed Fort Massac, an old French fortification on the Illinois shore, where they…
Lewis & Clark: November 6, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued from Clarksville down the Ohio River with their growing company of recruits. They passed Fort Massac, an old French fortification on the Illinois shore, where they…
Lewis & Clark: November 7, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued from Clarksville down the Ohio River with their growing company of recruits. They passed Fort Massac, an old French fortification on the Illinois shore, where they…
Lewis & Clark: November 8, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued from Clarksville down the Ohio River with their growing company of recruits. They passed Fort Massac, an old French fortification on the Illinois shore, where they…
Lewis & Clark: November 9, 1803
Lewis and Clark continued from Clarksville down the Ohio River with their growing company of recruits. They passed Fort Massac, an old French fortification on the Illinois shore, where they…
Lewis & Clark: October 26, 1803
Lewis arrived at the Falls of the Ohio and met William Clark at Clarksville, Indiana Territory, across the river from Louisville. This was the moment the partnership that would lead…
Lewis & Clark: October 27, 1803
Lewis arrived at the Falls of the Ohio and met William Clark at Clarksville, Indiana Territory, across the river from Louisville. This was the moment the partnership that would lead…
Lewis & Clark: October 28, 1803
Lewis arrived at the Falls of the Ohio and met William Clark at Clarksville, Indiana Territory, across the river from Louisville. This was the moment the partnership that would lead…
Lewis & Clark: October 29, 1803
Lewis and Clark began working together at Clarksville, reviewing recruits and planning the expedition. Clark’s knowledge of frontier life and military command complemented Lewis’s scientific training and political connections. Together…
Lewis & Clark: October 30, 1803
Lewis and Clark began working together at Clarksville, reviewing recruits and planning the expedition. Clark’s knowledge of frontier life and military command complemented Lewis’s scientific training and political connections. Together…
Lewis & Clark: October 31, 1803
Lewis and Clark began working together at Clarksville, reviewing recruits and planning the expedition. Clark’s knowledge of frontier life and military command complemented Lewis’s scientific training and political connections. Together…
Lewis Awaits the Keelboat in Pittsburgh
Another day of delays in Pittsburgh as Lewis waited for the completion of the keelboat. The boat builder continued to work slowly, testing Lewis’s patience. Lewis used the time to…
Lewis Departs Pittsburgh on the Ohio River
At last, Meriwether Lewis departed Pittsburgh with the keelboat and a crew of eleven hands, beginning the long journey down the Ohio River. The river was dangerously low — in…
Lewis Inspects the Nearly Complete Keelboat
The keelboat was at last nearing completion. Lewis inspected the vessel — a 55-foot craft with a 32-foot mast, capable of being propelled by sail, oars, poles, or tow rope.…
Lewis Prepares to Depart Pittsburgh
Lewis continued preparations in Pittsburgh for the journey down the Ohio River. The keelboat, commissioned months earlier, was still not complete, causing Lewis growing frustration. He spent the day overseeing…
Lewis Purchases Seaman the Newfoundland Dog
While waiting for the completion of the keelboat in Pittsburgh, Meriwether Lewis purchased a large Newfoundland dog for $20—a considerable sum at the time. Lewis named the dog Seaman (sometimes…
Lewis Reviews Supplies at Pittsburgh
While still awaiting the keelboat, Lewis reviewed the expedition’s medical supplies prepared under the guidance of Dr. Benjamin Rush of Philadelphia. The medicine chest contained laudanum, mercury pills (“Rush’s Thunderbolts”),…
Lewis: October 1, 1803
Lewis continued down the Ohio River through Kentucky. The river conditions improved as he moved downstream, and the crew made steady progress toward Cincinnati.
Lewis: October 10, 1803
Lewis reached Cincinnati, one of the largest towns on the Ohio River. He stopped to resupply, recruit additional men, and make scientific observations. Cincinnati was a bustling frontier town of…
Lewis: October 11, 1803
Lewis reached Cincinnati, one of the largest towns on the Ohio River. He stopped to resupply, recruit additional men, and make scientific observations. Cincinnati was a bustling frontier town of…
Lewis: October 12, 1803
Lewis reached Cincinnati, one of the largest towns on the Ohio River. He stopped to resupply, recruit additional men, and make scientific observations. Cincinnati was a bustling frontier town of…
Lewis: October 13, 1803
Below Cincinnati, the Ohio River grew wider and the current stronger. Lewis made good progress, covering many miles each day through the Kentucky and Indiana frontier.
Lewis: October 14, 1803
Lewis departed Cincinnati and continued down the Ohio toward the Falls at Louisville. He had acquired additional supplies and a few recruits during his stay in the town.
Lewis: October 15, 1803
Below Cincinnati, the Ohio River grew wider and the current stronger. Lewis made good progress, covering many miles each day through the Kentucky and Indiana frontier.
Lewis: October 16, 1803
Lewis navigated the Ohio River below Cincinnati, passing the mouths of the Kentucky River and other tributaries. The landscape was heavily forested with occasional clearings for farms.
Lewis: October 17, 1803
Lewis navigated the Ohio River below Cincinnati, passing the mouths of the Kentucky River and other tributaries. The landscape was heavily forested with occasional clearings for farms.
Lewis: October 18, 1803
Lewis navigated the Ohio River below Cincinnati, passing the mouths of the Kentucky River and other tributaries. The landscape was heavily forested with occasional clearings for farms.
Lewis: October 19, 1803
Lewis navigated the Ohio River below Cincinnati, passing the mouths of the Kentucky River and other tributaries. The landscape was heavily forested with occasional clearings for farms.
Lewis: October 2, 1803
Lewis continued down the Ohio River through Kentucky. The river conditions improved as he moved downstream, and the crew made steady progress toward Cincinnati.
Lewis: October 20, 1803
Lewis navigated the Ohio River below Cincinnati, passing the mouths of the Kentucky River and other tributaries. The landscape was heavily forested with occasional clearings for farms.
Lewis: October 21, 1803
Approaching the Falls of the Ohio at Louisville. Lewis prepared to navigate the only major obstruction on the Ohio River — a series of rapids and falls that dropped roughly…
Lewis: October 22, 1803
Approaching the Falls of the Ohio at Louisville. Lewis prepared to navigate the only major obstruction on the Ohio River — a series of rapids and falls that dropped roughly…
Lewis: October 23, 1803
Approaching the Falls of the Ohio at Louisville. Lewis prepared to navigate the only major obstruction on the Ohio River — a series of rapids and falls that dropped roughly…
Lewis: October 24, 1803
Approaching the Falls of the Ohio at Louisville. Lewis prepared to navigate the only major obstruction on the Ohio River — a series of rapids and falls that dropped roughly…
Lewis: October 25, 1803
Approaching the Falls of the Ohio at Louisville. Lewis prepared to navigate the only major obstruction on the Ohio River — a series of rapids and falls that dropped roughly…
Lewis: October 3, 1803
Lewis continued down the Ohio River through Kentucky. The river conditions improved as he moved downstream, and the crew made steady progress toward Cincinnati.
Lewis: October 4, 1803
Lewis continued down the Ohio River through Kentucky. The river conditions improved as he moved downstream, and the crew made steady progress toward Cincinnati.
Lewis: October 5, 1803
Approaching Cincinnati, Lewis passed through increasingly settled country. Farms and small communities dotted the Ohio and Kentucky shores.
Lewis: October 6, 1803
Approaching Cincinnati, Lewis passed through increasingly settled country. Farms and small communities dotted the Ohio and Kentucky shores.
Lewis: October 7, 1803
Approaching Cincinnati, Lewis passed through increasingly settled country. Farms and small communities dotted the Ohio and Kentucky shores.
Lewis: October 8, 1803
Approaching Cincinnati, Lewis passed through increasingly settled country. Farms and small communities dotted the Ohio and Kentucky shores.
Lewis: October 9, 1803
Lewis reached Cincinnati, one of the largest towns on the Ohio River. He stopped to resupply, recruit additional men, and make scientific observations. Cincinnati was a bustling frontier town of…
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 1, 1803
Lewis navigated the Ohio River below Pittsburgh, struggling with extremely low water. The crew often had to wade alongside the keelboat and physically drag it over gravel bars and riffles.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 10, 1803
Lewis stopped at Marietta, Ohio, a thriving river town founded in 1788. He took the opportunity to resupply and make observations. The town’s shipyard was one of the busiest on…
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 12, 1803
Below Marietta, the Ohio River conditions improved slightly. Lewis made better progress, covering more miles than on any previous day since departing Pittsburgh.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 13, 1803
Lewis continued down the Ohio through increasingly rural country. The Virginia (now West Virginia) shore rose in steep, forested hills while the Ohio side showed more settlement.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 14, 1803
Navigating past the mouth of the Little Kanawha River. Lewis noted the coal deposits visible in the riverbanks — a mineral wealth that would later transform the region.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 15, 1803
Lewis passed Blennerhassett Island, a large, beautiful island in the Ohio River near present-day Parkersburg, West Virginia. The island’s owner was building a grand mansion.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 16, 1803
Continued downstream on the Ohio. Lewis practiced celestial observations when possible, honing the navigation skills he would need for mapping the uncharted Missouri River and beyond.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 17, 1803
Progress on the Ohio River. The country grew wilder as Lewis moved downstream. Forests of oak, walnut, and hickory lined the banks, and deer could occasionally be seen drinking at…
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 18, 1803
Lewis navigated past the mouth of the Hocking River. The Ohio’s water level had improved somewhat, allowing steadier progress than the frustrating first weeks out of Pittsburgh.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 19, 1803
Continuing downstream toward the falls at Louisville. Lewis looked forward to meeting William Clark, who was waiting at Clarksville, across the river from Louisville.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 2, 1803
Continued down the Ohio River. Lewis hired local oxen teams to help pull the boat over particularly shallow stretches. The laborers charged by the riffle, an expense Lewis carefully recorded.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 20, 1803
Lewis passed Gallipolis, Ohio, a settlement founded by French immigrants in 1790. The town’s residents had endured considerable hardship on the frontier.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 21, 1803
The Ohio River widened and deepened as Lewis progressed. He could now travel more miles per day, raising hopes of reaching Clark before the river froze.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 22, 1803
Lewis passed the mouth of the Great Kanawha River, one of the Ohio’s major tributaries. The junction created a broad, navigable stretch of water.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 23, 1803
Continuing down the Ohio past the point where present-day Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky meet. The three-state region was still largely frontier country.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 24, 1803
Lewis made good progress on a wider, deeper stretch of the Ohio. He used the smoother sailing to organize supplies and review his instructions from President Jefferson.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 25, 1803
Passing through the hilly country of the upper Ohio valley. Lewis noted the changing geology and vegetation as he moved further south and west.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 26, 1803
Lewis neared the confluence with the Big Sandy River, marking the boundary between Virginia territory and Kentucky. The Ohio grew broader here.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 27, 1803
Continued downstream through Kentucky. Lewis observed the fertile bottomlands that had drawn settlers to the region for decades.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 28, 1803
Progress on the Ohio River. The keelboat handled well in the deeper water, and Lewis grew confident in the vessel that would carry the expedition up the Missouri.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 29, 1803
Lewis approached the Scioto River confluence, near the settlement of Portsmouth, Ohio. The river country was becoming more populated as he neared Cincinnati.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 3, 1803
Progress was slow on the Ohio. Lewis noted the river’s low state was the worst local residents could remember. Despite the difficulties, the crew maintained good spirits.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 30, 1803
The final day of September found Lewis continuing his descent of the Ohio. He had been on the river for a full month since leaving Pittsburgh, covering hundreds of miles…
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 4, 1803
Lewis passed several small settlements along the Ohio River, occasionally stopping for supplies. The river country was well-settled in this region, with farms and small towns along both banks.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 5, 1803
The keelboat encountered more shallow riffles on the Ohio. Lewis adapted by having the crew unload cargo, carry it overland past the shallow areas, then reload once the boat was…
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 6, 1803
Lewis continued the tedious descent of the Ohio River, making only a few miles per day due to the low water. He observed the rich bottomland forests and abundant wildlife…
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 7, 1803
Navigating the Ohio River with difficulty. Lewis occupied himself with natural history observations, noting the trees, birds, and river conditions in preparation for the more detailed journal keeping ahead.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 8, 1803
Lewis progressed down the Ohio, passing the mouth of the Little Muskingum River. The crew worked through several difficult stretches where the river spread thin over wide gravel beds.
Lewis: Ohio River Journey, September 9, 1803
The expedition neared Marietta, Ohio, at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers. This was one of the oldest settlements in the Northwest Territory.
Loading the Keelboat at Pittsburgh
With the keelboat finally ready, Lewis supervised the loading of supplies and equipment. The cargo included 14 bales of Indian presents (beads, mirrors, ribbons, knives, and medals), weapons, ammunition, scientific…
Preparations Continue at Pittsburgh
Lewis continued the frustrating wait in Pittsburgh. He occupied himself with organizing the expedition’s scientific instruments, which included a chronometer, sextant, compass, and thermometer — tools essential for mapping the…
Seaman Catches Squirrels Swimming Across the Ohio
Lewis recorded one of the first of many journal entries about Seaman’s exploits on the expedition. While traveling down the Ohio River, they encountered large numbers of gray squirrels swimming…
Key Figures
2 itemsAndrew Ellicott
A noted surveyor who taught Lewis celestial navigation, map making, and computing latitude and longitude. He had previously surveyed the boundaries of the District of Columbia.
Caspar Wistar
Physician and professor of anatomy who trained Lewis in identifying fossils and anatomical specimens. Jefferson hoped the expedition might discover living mastodons. The wisteria plant was later named in his honor.
Wildlife & Plants
3 itemsBlue Catfish
Lewis and Clark observed blue catfish in mid-November 1803, at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, before the main expedition departed. They later encountered the species in the lower Missouri River. The blue...
Osage Orange
Lewis encountered the osage orange in March 1804 in St. Louis, before the expedition officially departed. He obtained young plants from the Osage Nation and described how Native peoples traveled hundreds of miles to obtain...
Trumpeter Swan
Lewis and Clark observed trumpeter swans at multiple points during the expedition. Large flocks were first noted in marshes near their winter camp at Wood River, Illinois, on February 15, 1804, before the main expedition...
Weapons & Equipment
7 items1792 Contract Rifle (Expedition Primary Rifle)
The primary long arm of the Corps of Discovery was not, as long believed, the Model 1803 Harpers Ferry Rifle, but rather the 1792 Contract Rifle — a Pennsylvania-style, single-shot,…
Bullet Molds
Fifteen pairs of bullet molds were obtained at Harpers Ferry Arsenal, one for each rifleman. These were scissor-type iron molds that clamped together to form a spherical cavity. Molten lead…
Girandoni Air Rifle
The Girandoni air rifle was arguably the most significant weapon of the entire expedition, serving more as a diplomatic instrument than a weapon of war. Designed by Italian-Tyrolean watchmaker and…
Indian Peace Medal (Jefferson)
The Indian peace medals carried by Lewis and Clark were among the most important diplomatic tools of the expedition, second only to the air rifle in their impact on Native…
Officers' Swords
Both Lewis and Clark carried swords as commissioned officers, though the exact pattern each carried is unknown. The 1787 U.S. regulations called for iron or steel mounted sabers of 36…
Pocket Pistols with Secret Triggers
On May 21, 1803, Lewis purchased a pair of pocket pistols from Robert Barnhill’s gun shop at 63 North Second Street in Philadelphia for $10. The surviving receipt reads: “Bot.…
Scalping Knife / Hunting Knife
Every member of the Corps of Discovery carried a large knife that served as an all-purpose tool for butchering game, preparing food, cutting wood, making repairs, and self-defense. These “scalping…
Documents
16 itemsBenjamin Rush's Questions for Lewis
Rush prepared detailed questions covering Native American medical practices, physical characteristics, diet, diseases, morals, and religion. He also provided Lewis with a list of health rules for the expedition members…
Council with the Oto and Missouri Nations
At this first council, Lewis and Clark established the diplomatic protocol they would follow throughout the expedition: raising the American flag, delivering a speech about the “Great Father” in Washington,…
Council with the Teton Sioux at Bad River
The encounter began with a council on September 25, 1804, where communication was hampered by the lack of a competent Sioux interpreter. After distributing gifts, tensions escalated when warriors seized…
Court Martial Proceedings of the Expedition
Military discipline was essential to the expedition’s survival, and Lewis and Clark maintained a formal court martial system throughout the journey. Private Moses Reed was found guilty of desertion in…
Jefferson's Confidential Message to Congress
This confidential message to Congress initiated the legislative authorization for what would become the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Jefferson requested an appropriation of $2,500 — a deliberate underestimate of the…
Jefferson's Instructions to Meriwether Lewis
Jefferson’s instructions represent the most important planning document of the expedition. He directed Lewis to observe and record: the names, numbers, and territories of Native nations; their languages, traditions, and…
Lewis's Astronomical Observations and Calculations
Lewis was trained in celestial navigation by Andrew Ellicott and Robert Patterson before the expedition. Using a sextant, chronometer, and artificial horizon, he recorded observations of the sun, moon, and…
Lewis's Letter to Jefferson Announcing the Expedition's Return
Writing from St. Louis, Lewis summarized the expedition’s key findings: “In obedience to your orders we have penetrated the Continent of North America to the Pacific Ocean.” He described the…
Lewis's Letter to Jefferson from Fort Mandan
This letter accompanied the keelboat returning from Fort Mandan with a crew of soldiers, traders, and the Arikara chief. Lewis described the expedition’s encounters with Native nations, the geography of…
Lewis's Letter to William Clark Inviting Him to Co-Command
Writing from Washington, Lewis described the expedition’s objectives and invited Clark to share command: “If therefore there is anything… which would induce you to participate with me in its fatigues,…
Lewis's Requisition of Supplies from the U.S. Arsenal
The supply lists included 15 Model 1803 rifles from Harper’s Ferry, powder canisters, lead, flints, knives, tomahawks, and the expedition’s famous iron-framed boat. Lewis also procured scientific instruments including a…
Louisiana Purchase Treaty
The Louisiana Purchase transferred approximately 828,000 square miles of territory from France to the United States, encompassing all or part of 15 future states. The treaty was signed in Paris…
Private Whitehouse's Journal
Two versions of Whitehouse’s journal exist: an original rough journal and a later paraphrased version that Whitehouse apparently prepared for publication (which never occurred). The journal provides unique observations about…
Sergeant Floyd's Journal
Floyd’s journal is the shortest of the expedition journals, ending abruptly as his illness worsened. His entries record the daily progress up the Missouri, encounters with the Oto and Missouri…
Sergeant Ordway's Journal
Ordway’s journal is particularly valuable because it covers the entire expedition without the gaps found in Lewis’s journal. It documents daily routines, hunting results, weather observations, and events in camp…
The Journals of Lewis and Clark
Lewis and Clark each maintained separate journals, though Lewis’s entries are notably absent for long periods (leading to enduring speculation about what he was doing during these gaps). Clark was…
Allied Sites
2 itemsAcademy of Natural Sciences — Lewis & Clark Herbarium
Holds the largest collection of Lewis and Clark botanical specimens, located in the city where Lewis trained for the expedition.
Patrick Gass Birth Site
Birthplace of Sergeant Patrick Gass, Lewis and Clark Expedition member and first to publish an account of the journey.
