Did Lewis and Clark Follow the Mississippi River?
The journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s expedition, referred to as the ‘Corps of Discovery’, is one of the greatest explorations in the history of the United States. The expedition started in May 1804 at St. Louis, Missouri and ended in September 1806 when they reached the Pacific Ocean. Along their route, they mapped unknown parts of the American continent, collected specimens and encountered indigenous American Indians, and many are still curious whether they followed the Mississippi River.
According to Prof. Paul D. Storrs of Siena College, Lewis and Clark were indeed following the Mississippi River for most of their journey. As both these individuals grew up in the Appalachian Mountains and were familiar with the river, intelligently navigating and following the Mississippi, was one of the motivations for their journey. He also believes that the Corps of Discovery members, who were all from the regions surrounding the Mississippi River, were determined to successfully navigate and chart it.
Despite the fact that Lewis and Clark made a multitude of observations during the expedition, it has been suggested that the topography of the Tennessee and Ohio rivers have changed dramatically since then and may not have been accurate when the expedition was conducted. Moreover, the mapping of the course of the river during the early 19th century was frequently inaccurate leaving a chance that they may have strayed from the original course.
Many historians believe that the furthest west that the expedition got was at the point where the Missouri River meets the Columbia River. Furthermore, according to noted historian John Bakeless, the men encountered a tribe of plains Indians who were unfamiliar with the Mississippi and didn’t even know what it was when it was described to them. This proposal rejects the idea that the Corps of Discovery followed the Mississippi River, as the Native Americans the men encountered were located hundreds of miles away from the mouth of the Mississippi.
The Great Controversy
The whereabouts of Lewis and Clark’s expedition is a mystery that many still argue about. Historian Raymond DeVoto concludes that the expedition didn’t actually follow the Mississippi River and seemed to veer away in his 1944 publication known as The Journals of Lewis and Clark. DeVoto argued that the expedition didn’t make much geographical sense as the topography of the Mississippi continues to the West, but just disappeared a few miles before it could reach the Missouri.
However, many people still believe that the Corps of Discovery did follow the Mississippi River, pointing to some of the historical evidence and documents that have been discovered since then. One of the primary pieces of evidence is the journal and log entries which can be authenticated, as well as a canoe bottom they found during their journey, named ‘Ouiatenon’. This canoe bottom was used by native tribes and the Corps of Discovery found it along the Mississippi.
Challenges That the Expedition Met
The Lewis and Clark expedition endured such challenges as storms, following inaccurate paths, drawing maps of their expedition, and dealing with unsavory hosts. In addition to this, the expedition faced the challenge of not only understanding and interpreting the language of different native tribes, but also the ways in which these tribes interacted. At one point, they even asked for food from a tribe and were left empty-handed.
However, the biggest challenge that they faced was the rigors of the journey and the inhospitable environment. From snow covered peaks to sweltering hot deserts, they faced temperatures ranging from -30°F to over 110°F. In addition, they had to contend with ferocious, wild animals and harsh terrain, including rivers and forests. These extreme conditions caused the expedition to run into unexpected delays and unforeseen expenses, requiring Lewis and Clark to rethink their planned course of action.
Accomplishments of the Expedition
Thanks to the Lewis and Clark expedition, the people of the United States have a much better understanding of our natural environment. Calculations and data collected during the expedition helped to further our knowledge and suggested the best possible course to travel if the same course was repeated. The maps that were made and the information which was gathered regarding the course of the Mississippi continues to be used today.
In addition, the expedition provided a wealth of knowledge regarding the plants, animals and the people of the newly discovered and studied regions. This valuable insight helped to promote understanding and informative exchanges between the Corps and many of the native tribes they encountered. We can now also view the plains in a different light, as the expedition offered a detailed description of the area – highlighting vast grassy fields and vegetation.
The Legacy of the Expedition
Lewis and Clark’s expedition marked a critical milestone in the exploration of the American continent and its many Native Nations. To this day, the expedition is remembered for the knowledge it provided and continues to teach us about the potential of exploration. The expedition helped open doors for further exploration and the achievements of the voyage are credited for leading to further success.
Beyond being a milestone of exploration, the Corps of Discovery’s journey also provided a valuable understanding of the US territory, which eventually led to the US being able to further develop the Midwest and Southwest. More importantly, the expedition also helped to foster more respectful diplomatic and trade relationships with the people of the various Native Nations they encountered. In fact, the expedition is said to have created a level of trust between the US Government and Native American tribes.
The Cultural Impact of the Expedition
The journey of the Expedition has gone down in history as one of the most significant events that occurred during the early 19th century. The accounts of the Corps of Discovery’s journey have become an important narrative in the American imagination, with books, films, and artwork featuring their voyage. From the long days spent in the wilderness to the many encounters Lewis and Clark had with different native tribes, the entire journey has become a beloved part of American folklore.
Moreover, the legacy of the Lewis and Clark expedition has also become a significant part of Native American culture. The respect for nature and the knowledge shared between the Corps of Discovery and many Native American tribes has led to a better understanding of the environment and a respect for other cultures. This understanding is so important, it is even taught in schools. Children learn about the journey to help them have a better understanding of the delicate balance between us and nature.
Trace the Trails of Lewis and Clark
Today one can visit places that were part of Lewis and Clark’s expedition by visiting four national historic sites located in the United States. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, spanning over 3,700 miles, is now part of the US National Park System and the sites have become a popular destination for those interested in conservation and the exploration of the American continent. These sites contain incredible hiking trails, tranquil rivers, and breathtaking landscapes.
Moreover, these sites are home to some of the most spectacular wildlife in the country, including deer, bighorn sheep, bison and mountain goats. National parks and monuments located along the route, such as the Yellowstone National Park, offer some spectacular views, and the areas around these parks are perfect for camping trips and other outdoor activities. Through these places, people can learn about the expedition from the experts and become inspired by its tale of exploration, science, and adventure.
The Importance of the Expedition
Today, the expedition’s influence continues to live on through various avenues, such as the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, which was founded in 1991 to promote scientific research, appreciation and educational programs based on the expedition. The foundation encourages the continued exploration and appreciation of our natural heritage and the legacy of the expedition.
In conclusion, the expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark is remembered not only for their bravery, but their contributions to the understanding of the United States. Through their journey, they created new diplomatic ties with native tribes and spearheaded and opened up new trails and paths for American adventurers. To this day, many still wonder if indeed they followed the Mississippi River, for which we may never have a definite answer.
