The Journals of Lewis and Clark, 1804-1806

1. Embarking on an Epic Journey: Setting Forth into the Unknown

May the 14th-Monday Set out from Camp River a Dubois at 4 oClock P.M. and proceded up the Missouris under Sail to the first Island in the Missouri and Camped on the upper point opposit a Creek on the South Side below a ledge of limestone rock Called Colewater, made 41/2 miles, the Party Consisted of 2, Self one frenchman and 22 Men in the Boat of 20 ores, 1 Serjt. & 7 french in a large Perogue, a Corp and 6 Soldiers in a large Perogue. a Cloudy rainey day. wind from the N E. men in high Spirits

A Nation's Ambition. In May 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, began their expedition to explore the uncharted territories of the American West. Leaving from Camp River Dubois, their party, comprised of soldiers, frontiersmen, and interpreters, set their sights on the Missouri River, the gateway to the unknown. The mission was clear: chart the land, establish relations with Native tribes, and discover a navigable route to the Pacific Ocean.

High Hopes and Humble Beginnings. The initial days were marked by high spirits and a sense of adventure, yet the challenges of the Missouri quickly became apparent. The expedition faced strong currents, hidden logs, and the constant threat of running aground. These early trials underscored the need for careful navigation and a deep understanding of the river's unpredictable nature.

Westward Bound. As they pushed further into the continent, the journals reveal a meticulous record of their progress, noting landmarks, river conditions, and the flora and fauna encountered. The expedition's success hinged not only on their physical endurance but also on their ability to adapt, learn, and overcome the myriad obstacles that lay ahead.

2. Navigating the Missouri: Encounters and Challenges

Persons accustomed to the navigation of the Missouri and the Mississippi also below the mouth of this river, uniformly take the precaution to load their vessels heavyest in the bow when they ascend the stream in order to avoid the danger incedent to runing foul of the concealed timber which lyes in great quantities in the beds of these rivers.

Taming the River. The Missouri River, a powerful and unpredictable force, presented constant navigational challenges. The expedition learned to adapt their techniques, loading vessels heavier in the bow to avoid submerged timber and battling strong currents that tested their strength and endurance. The journals meticulously document these struggles, offering insights into the river's character and the skills required to navigate it.

A Landscape in Flux. The river's ever-changing nature, with its shifting sandbars and collapsing banks, added another layer of complexity. The journals detail instances where the expedition narrowly avoided disaster, highlighting the constant vigilance and quick thinking required to survive. These experiences underscored the importance of understanding the river's dynamics and respecting its power.

The River's Bounty. Despite the challenges, the Missouri also provided sustenance and resources. The journals record the abundance of wildlife along the riverbanks, from wild geese and goslings to fish and deer. These resources were essential for the expedition's survival, providing food, clothing, and materials for tools and repairs.

3. Diplomacy and Discovery: Interactions with Native Tribes

Several Kickapoos Indians Visit me to day, George Drewyer arrive. Took equal altitudes of Suns L L made it 84° 39’ 15” ap T. Measured the river found it to be 720 yards wide, a Keel Boat Came up to day—Several of the inhabitents Came abord to day receved Several Speces of Vegatables from the inhabitents to day

First Encounters. As the expedition moved further west, they encountered various Native American tribes, each with their own customs, languages, and territories. The journals document these encounters, revealing the complex dynamics between the explorers and the indigenous peoples. Diplomacy, trade, and the assertion of American sovereignty were key objectives in these interactions.

Gifts and Governance. The journals detail the exchange of gifts, a common practice in Native American diplomacy. Lewis and Clark presented medals, flags, and other items to tribal leaders, symbolizing the authority of the United States and its desire for peaceful relations. These gestures were often met with curiosity and cautious acceptance, but also with suspicion and resistance.

Cultural Exchange. Beyond diplomacy, the journals offer glimpses into the daily lives of Native American tribes, their methods of hunting, fishing, and agriculture, their social structures, and their spiritual beliefs. These observations provide valuable insights into the rich and diverse cultures that thrived in the American West before European settlement.

4. The Harsh Realities of Exploration: Hardship and Loss

These people are principally the decendants of the Canadian French, and it is not an inconsiderable proportian of them that can boast a small dash of the pure blood of the aboriginees of America.

Punishment and Discipline. The journals reveal the strict discipline maintained within the expedition. Misconduct, such as desertion or insubordination, was met with swift and often harsh punishment, including lashes on the bare back. These entries offer a stark reminder of the challenges of maintaining order and control in a remote and unforgiving environment.

Illness and Injury. The expedition faced numerous health challenges, from common ailments like colds and sore throats to more serious conditions like dysentery and venereal disease. Injuries were also frequent, with men suffering from boils, ulcers, and accidents. The journals document the crude medical practices employed by Lewis and Clark, highlighting their resourcefulness in the face of limited resources.

The Weight of Command. The journals also reveal the personal toll of leadership on Lewis and Clark. They grappled with difficult decisions, faced constant pressure to maintain morale, and bore the responsibility for the safety and well-being of their men. The weight of this burden is evident in their entries, offering a glimpse into the psychological challenges of exploration.

5. Reaching the Rockies: A Glimpse of the Continental Divide

Passed the antient Missouries villages on right Course N 40° W 21/2 pt. L S., S 29° W 3 ms. pt. S. S., this nation once the Most Noumerous is now almost extinct, about 30 of them, liveing with Otteaus on the R. Platt, the remainder all distroyed, took altd. of S. U L with qdt. which gave N 28 W. 11/2 ms to a pt. S. S. Passed some Charming land, I have not Seen any high hils above Charliton and the hits below for Several days Cannot to turmed hills but high Land, not exceeding 100 abov the high water mark

Signs of Change. As the expedition approached the Rocky Mountains, the landscape began to transform. The familiar plains gave way to rolling hills, and the first glimpses of snow-capped peaks appeared on the horizon. These changes signaled a shift in the environment and the challenges that lay ahead.

The Prarie of the Arrows. The journals document the passage through the Prarie of the Arrows, a place where the river narrowed and the current grew exceedingly strong. This marked a transition from the relatively gentle waters of the lower Missouri to the more turbulent and demanding conditions of the mountains.

A New World. The ascent into the Rockies was a physical and mental test for the expedition. The journals describe the arduous climbs, the treacherous terrain, and the awe-inspiring vistas that rewarded their efforts. This marked a turning point in the expedition, as they entered a new world of towering peaks, alpine meadows, and unexplored watersheds.

6. The Columbia Beckons: Crossing the Divide and Descending Westward

Took equal & maridinal altd. and after makeing Some arrangements, and inflicting a little punishment to two men we Set out at 1/2 past 4 oClock and proceeded on (i ) passed a large Island on the S. Side, opposit a large Sand bar, the Boat turned and was within Six Inches of Strikeing the rapidity with which the Boat turned was so great that if her bow had Struck the Snag, She must have either turned over or the bow nocked off S W wind

The Three Forks. The expedition reached a critical juncture where the Missouri River split into three distinct forks. The journals detail the careful deliberation and investigation that led to their decision to follow the southwest fork, later named the Jefferson River. This decision, based on a combination of Indian knowledge and their own observations, proved crucial to their success.

A Difficult Portage. The journals vividly describe the arduous portage around the Great Falls of the Missouri, a task that tested the limits of the men's endurance. Hauling heavy canoes and baggage over rough terrain, they faced exhaustion, injury, and the constant threat of theft by local tribes. This experience underscored the immense challenges of traversing the continent.

The Bitterroot. The journals document the crossing of the Bitterroot Mountains, a treacherous passage marked by steep slopes, dense forests, and dwindling supplies. The expedition relied on the guidance of Sacagawea, who recognized familiar landmarks and helped them navigate the unfamiliar terrain. This crossing highlighted the importance of Native American knowledge and the vital role of Sacagawea in the expedition's success.

7. The Pacific Achieved: A Winter at Fort Clatsop

21st June Thursday 1804 river raised 3 Inches last night after our bow man Peter Crousat a half Mahar Indian examined round this Small Isd. for the best water, we Set out determined to assd. on the North Side, and Sometimes rowing Poleing & Drawing up with a Strong Rope we assended without wheeling or receving any damige more than breakeing one of my S. Windows, and looseing Some oars which were Swong under the windows

A New River. The journals document the descent of the Columbia River, a powerful and unpredictable waterway that presented new navigational challenges. The expedition faced treacherous rapids, strong currents, and the constant threat of capsizing. These experiences tested their skills and resilience, but also brought them closer to their ultimate goal.

The Coast at Last. After months of arduous travel, the expedition finally reached the Pacific Ocean. The journals capture the sense of triumph and relief that accompanied this achievement, as well as the awe-inspiring beauty of the coastal landscape. However, their journey was far from over, as they now faced the challenge of establishing a winter camp and preparing for the return journey.

Life at Fort Clatsop. The journals detail the construction of Fort Clatsop, a crude but functional winter encampment near the mouth of the Columbia River. Life at the fort was marked by constant rain, limited food supplies, and the challenges of maintaining morale in a confined space. Despite these hardships, the expedition continued to gather scientific data, document Native American cultures, and prepare for their return journey.

8. Homeward Bound: Retracing Steps and Reflecting on the Journey

The names of the french Ingishees, or Hirelens-

in Perogue
1 Battist de Shone Patrn
2 Joseph Le bartee
3 Lasoness
4 Paul Preemau
5 Chalo
6 E. Cann
7 Roie
8 Charlo Cougee

in the large Boat
*J. Le bartee
Rivee

bow men
Pieter Crousatt half Indian
William La Beice Mallat

3 Sergts. & 23 men for the Boat
George Drewyer. Hunter & 4 Horses

1 Corpl & 4 Privates in a Perogue to be Sent back from Plate river

Mr. Dueron inteptr for the Sues Capt. Lewis my Self & York

in all 46 men July 4th 4 horses & a Dog

A Long Way Home. As winter drew to a close, the expedition began to prepare for their return journey. The journals document the meticulous planning and preparations required for this undertaking, including repairing canoes, gathering supplies, and securing horses. The prospect of returning home filled the men with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

New Routes and Old Friends. The journals reveal the expedition's decision to split into smaller groups to explore different routes back to the Missouri River. This decision, while risky, allowed them to gather more information about the vast and diverse landscape of the American West. Along the way, they encountered familiar faces and forged new alliances with Native American tribes.

A Legacy of Discovery. The Journals of Lewis and Clark stand as a testament to the courage, resilience, and scientific curiosity of the Corps of Discovery. Their meticulous records, detailed observations, and vivid descriptions have shaped our understanding of the American West and its diverse inhabitants. The expedition's legacy continues to inspire exploration, scientific inquiry, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Last updated: April 16, 2025