Independence Day on the Missouri

The Corps celebrated the 28th anniversary of American independence by firing a shot from the bow cannon and naming their campsite creek “Independence Creek” — one of many geographic features the expedition would name during their journey.

“Usher in the day by a discharge of one shot from the Bow piece, and named the Creek Independence Creek.”

An extra gill of whiskey was issued to the men. Joseph Fields was bitten by a snake but recovered. Clark noted the lush prairie landscape and its potential for settlement.