First Council with Otoe and Missouri Nations

At a site Lewis named “Council Bluff” (near present-day Fort Calhoun, Nebraska), the captains held their first formal diplomatic council with Native peoples — representatives of the Otoe and Missouri nations.

Lewis delivered a speech explaining the expedition’s purpose, the authority of the United States government following the Louisiana Purchase, and distributed gifts including medals, flags, and trade goods. This council set the pattern for dozens of similar meetings throughout the journey.

“I delivered a long speech to them expressive of our journey, the wishes of our Government, some advice to them and Directions how they were to conduct themselves.”

The captains also demonstrated their air rifle, which greatly impressed the Native leaders. This site gave its name to the later Council Bluffs, Iowa, located across the river.