Departure from Fort Clatsop — Heading Home

After a wet, miserable winter on the Oregon coast, the expedition began the long journey home. Lewis reflected on their 106 days at Fort Clatsop with characteristic understatement.

“At this place we had wintered and remained from the 7th of Deer. 1805 to this day, and have lived as well as we had any right to expect.”

Before departing, Lewis posted a notice on the fort wall listing the expedition members and their route — hoping it might be found by any trading vessel that visited the coast. He also gave a copy to the Clatsop chief Coboway.

The return journey would prove faster but no less eventful, including the decision to split into two parties to explore more territory, Lewis’s violent encounter with Blackfeet warriors, and his accidental shooting by one of his own men.