Weapons Archive - Lewis & Clark Research Database

Native Tomahawks (Traditional and Trade)

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:48:19 +0000

The tomahawk existed in two broad categories during the Lewis and Clark era: traditional stone-headed versions (a shaped stone lashed to a wooden handle) and European-manufactured trade versions (iron or steel heads forged in European or American smithies). The trade tomahawk had largely supplanted the stone version among tribes with access to fur trade networks by 1803. Tomahawks served as all-purpose tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects. They could be used as hand weapons, thrown at enemies, or employed for everyday tasks like chopping wood and processing game. Lewis and Clark distributed large numbers of trade tomahawks as diplomatic gifts.

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Bullet Molds

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:48:19 +0000

Fifteen pairs of bullet molds were obtained at Harpers Ferry Arsenal, one for each rifleman. These were scissor-type iron molds that clamped together to form a spherical cavity. Molten lead was poured into the mold to cast round balls. The ability to manufacture ammunition in the field was critical for the expedition’s survival, as they carried 400 pounds of lead that needed to be cast into balls as needed. Lead was also obtained by melting down lead canisters that stored powder.

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Powder Horns and Shot Pouches

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:48:19 +0000

Each of the 15 riflemen was issued a powder horn and shot pouch. The powder horn was a hollowed-out cow or ox horn, sealed at both ends, with a measuring spout at the narrow tip for pouring a measured charge of black powder into the rifle barrel. The shot pouch was a leather bag worn on a shoulder strap, containing pre-cast lead balls, patching material (greased cloth or leather), and small tools. These were essential personal equipment for every soldier carrying a firearm.

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Battle Axes (Shields’s Fort Mandan Manufacture)

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:48:19 +0000

During the winter of 1804-1805 at Fort Mandan, expedition blacksmith John Shields and fellow smith Alexander Willard devised an ingenious economy: they cut a burned-out stove into small squares and forged them into battle axes and war hatchets, which they traded to the Mandan and Hidatsa peoples for badly needed corn. Lewis noted in his journal on February 5, 1805: “They are peculiarly attached to a battle ax formed in a very inconvenient manner in my opinion, it is fabricated of iron only.” The axes Shields produced were variations of the spontoon tomahawk form, with a spear-point blade. This type became known as the “Missouri war hatchet” and was highly favored by tribes of the Great Plains. This improvised manufacturing represents one of the most important examples of frontier adaptation on the expedition.

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Officers’ Swords

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:48:19 +0000

Both Lewis and Clark carried swords as commissioned officers, though the exact pattern each carried is unknown. The 1787 U.S. regulations called for iron or steel mounted sabers of 36 inches overall length. As a practical matter, swords were not particularly important to the expedition as survival tools, but they served as symbols of military authority in dealings with Native nations. The most dramatic use of a sword occurred on September 25, 1804, at Bad River, when Clark drew his sword during the confrontation with the Teton Sioux — the warriors strung their bows in response, and Lewis ordered the swivel gun aimed at them.

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Blunderbusses (Pirogue-Mounted)

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:48:19 +0000

Two blunderbusses were mounted on swivel pivots on the sterns of the two pirogues (large open boats) that accompanied the keelboat upriver. A blunderbuss is a short, heavy smoothbore firearm with a distinctive flared (funnel-shaped) muzzle, designed for close-range defense. The flared muzzle assisted in rapid loading, especially in the chaotic conditions of a boat under attack. Like the swivel gun, the blunderbusses served primarily for signaling, saluting, and celebrations because their large caliber produced impressive smoke and noise. Clark specifically suggested obtaining two blunderbusses “hung on swivels in the stern” of the barge, and Lewis agreed. They were not carried overland after the keelboat returned to St. Louis.

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Clark’s Elegant Fusil

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:48:19 +0000

Clark brought what the expedition journals describe as “an elegant fusil” — a lightweight gentleman’s sporting smoothbore. A fusil (from the French) was a lighter, more refined version of a military musket, typically used by officers, hunters, and gentlemen. It was distinct from a military musket in being lighter and more elegant, though it used the same smoothbore barrel that allowed versatility in ammunition (ball, buckshot, or birdshot). Some historians have suggested this may have been a Northwest-pattern trade gun rather than a purpose-built sporting arm.

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Clark’s Squirrel Rifle

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:48:19 +0000

William Clark brought a personal small-caliber rifle of .36 caliber, commonly known as a “squirrel rifle.” These were light, accurate Pennsylvania-style long rifles designed for small game hunting and target shooting. The small caliber conserved lead and powder while providing excellent accuracy for small game at moderate ranges. Clark used this rifle for small game hunting throughout the expedition.

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Lewis’s Fowling Piece

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:48:19 +0000

Lewis brought a personal fowling piece — an extra-long smoothbore shoulder gun used primarily for bird hunting. Fowlers were common sporting arms of the era, with long barrels (typically 42-48 inches) and lighter construction than military muskets. The smoothbore barrel could fire shot for birds and waterfowl or a single ball for larger game. Lewis eventually traded his fowler to Native Americans in exchange for supplies during the return journey in 1806, demonstrating the fungible value of firearms as trade goods on the frontier.

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Pocket Pistols with Secret Triggers

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:48:19 +0000

On May 21, 1803, Lewis purchased a pair of pocket pistols from Robert Barnhill’s gun shop at 63 North Second Street in Philadelphia for $10. The surviving receipt reads: “Bot. of Robert Barnhill 1 Pair Pocket Pistols, Secret Triggers.” These were compact flintlock pistols designed for concealment, featuring a spring-loaded trigger that remained hidden within the frame until the hammer was cocked. When cocked, the trigger would spring out, ready for firing. Lewis chose the model with a concealed trigger specifically — a design favored by gentlemen and travelers of the period for personal defense.

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