The Vote on Winter Camp — Democracy on the Frontier

In a remarkable democratic exercise, the captains put the question of where to establish winter quarters to a vote — and every member of the party participated, including Sacagawea (“Janey”) and York, Clark’s enslaved man.

“Janey in favour of a place where there is plenty of Potas [wapato roots]. York: in favour of crossing the river.”

This vote is historically significant: it took place more than 60 years before the 13th Amendment abolished slavery and more than a century before women or African Americans gained the right to vote nationally. That the captains valued every person’s input reflects both practical necessity and the egalitarian bonds forged by shared hardship.

The majority voted to cross to the south bank of the Columbia to investigate a site recommended by the local Clatsop people. This became the location of Fort Clatsop, their winter home.