The Lewis and Clark Trail
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
