Meriwether Lewis was born August 18,1774, near Charlottesville, Virginia, and was a boyhood neighbor of Thomas Jefferson. When Jefferson had become president and had hinted around at planning an expedition to explore the West and had tentatively decided that Lewis would be its commander. On February 28,1803, Congress appropriated funds for the expedition, and Lewis, who had worked closely with Jefferson on preparations for it, was commissioned its leader.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Also a native Virginian, clark, born August 1,1770, was 4 years older than Lewis. In capability and background, he and Lewis shared much in common. During their long journey, there is not a single trace of a serious quarrel or dispute between them.---------------------------------------------------------------------- After the Expedition, Lewis was appointed Governor of Louisiana Territory; Clark was Promoted to Brigadier General and appointed to the Superintendency of Indian Affairs, Lewis, at age 35, died tragically on October 11,1809, just three years after the Expedition. His grave lies within Natchez Trace National Parkway, near Hohenwald, Tennessee. Thomas Jefferson, who held life-long affection for his protege, is credited with the Latin inscription on Lewis' tombstone: Immaturus obi: sed tu felicior annos Vive meos, Bona Republica! Vive Tuos. (I died young: but thou, O Good Republic, live out my years for me with better fortune.)--------------------------------------------------------------------- Clark lived a long and productive life in St. Louis, dying September 1,1838, ae 68. He is buried in the Clark family plot, Bellefontaine Cemetery, St. Louis. In deserved tribute, both Meriwether Lewis and William Clark are recognized members of that generation of our young nation's heroes who launched within themselves a drive of nationalistic vision and patriotic will that would form the spirit and richness of America's history itself.
Spots Along the Trail
1. Lewis and Clark State Historic Site. (This actual site has been obliterated by river channel migration.)
2. Jefferson National Expansion Memorial National Historic Site
3. Bellefontaine Cemetery-Clark's Grave
St. Charles Riverfront Park-The expedition camped here May 16-20, 1804, while waiting for Lewis to complete business in St. Louis, and again on September 21,1806.
5.Tavern Cave-Lewis and Clark visited the cave May 23,1804
6. Arrow Rock State Historic Site-Clark noted Arrow Rock Bluff as they passed it on June 9,1804
7. Stump island Park
8. Fort Osage
9. Lewis and Clark Memorial
10. Independence Park
11. Brownville State Recreation Area
12.N.P. Dodge Memorial Park
13. Lewis and Clark Memorial
14. Fort Atkinson State Historical Park
15. Lewis and Clark State Park
16. Blackbird Hill
17.Sergeant Floyd Monument
18. Ponca State Park
19. Missouri National Recreational River
20. Ionia Volcano
21.Spirit Mound
22. Calumet Bluff
23. Gavins Point Dam Visitor Center
24.Farm Island State Recreational Area
25. teton Council Site
26. Site of Fort Manuel
27. Roughrider Trail
28. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
29. Fort Mandan Park
30. Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
31.Four Bears Park
32. Lewis and Clark State Park
33. Fort Peck Dam
34.Pompey's Tower ( named after Sacajaweas son whom he had nicknamed Pomp)
35. Buffalo Mirage Access
36. Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River
37. Marias River
38. Fort Benton
39. Two Medicine Fight Site- Lewis and three of his men clashed at this site with eight Blackfeet Indians. Two Indians were killed.
40. Camp Disappointment
41. Great Falls
42. Portage Around the Great Falls
43. Giant Springs Heritage State Park
44. Square Butte
45. Lewis and Clark Pass
46. Gates of the Mountain
47. Canyon Ferry Recreation Areas
48. Missouri Head
49. Beaverhead Rock State Monument
50. Clark's Lookout State Monument
51. Camp Fortunate Overlook
52. Lemhi Pass
53. Cameahwait's Shoshoni Camp (Cameahwait is Sacajawea's brother)
54. Lost Trail Pass
55. Ross' Hole
56. Travelers Rest
57. Lolo Hot Springs
58. Packer Meadows
59. Lolo Pass Visitor Center
60. Lolo Trail
61. Lewis and Clark
62. Weippe Prairie (Nez Perce NHP)
63. Canoe Camp (Nez erce NHP)
64.Nez Perce National Historical Park
65. Chief Timothy State Park
66. Boyer Park
67. Lewis and Clark Trail State Park
68. Lyons Ferry State Park
69. Sacajawea State Park
70. Hat Rock State Park
71. Horsethief Lake State Park
72. The Dalles--73. Bonneville Rock State Park--74. Beacon Rock State Park--75. Lewis and Clark State Park--76. Fort Canby State Park--77. Fort Clatstop National Memorial--78.Salt Works--79. Ecola State Park--80. Les Shirley park
