Seaman
Historical Figure

Seaman

Seaman was a large Newfoundland dog purchased by Meriwether Lewis for $20 before the expedition departed. He accompanied the Corps of Discovery for the entire journey to the Pacific Ocean and back, serving as a hunter, guard dog, and companion. Lewis recorded multiple incidents involving Seaman in his journal, including the dog catching squirrels, being bitten by a beaver, and being stolen by Native Americans (who returned him after Lewis sent armed men). Seaman became such a curiosity to the Plains tribes that some offered to trade horses for him. He is one of the most celebrated animals in American exploration history.

Portrait: Seaman statue, National Park Service. Public domain.

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