Arrival at the Platte River

Reaching the Platte River was a significant milestone. In the geography of the Missouri fur trade, the Platte marked the boundary between the “lower” and “upper” Missouri — essentially the gateway to the Great Plains.

“At 4 oClock we came too at the mouth of the Great River Platt — this Great river being much more rapid than the Missourie forces its Current against the opposite Shore.”

Clark noted the river was about 600 yards wide but very shallow. The expedition was now in the territory of the Otoe, Pawnee, and other Plains nations. They would soon hold their first formal council with Native peoples.