National Historic Trails - Lewis and Clark Trail - Exploring with Lewis and Clark

Meriwether Lewis was born August 18, 1 774, near Charlottesville, Virginia, and was a boyhood neighbor of Thomas Jefferson. In 1794, Lewis joined the militia and, at the rank of Ensign, was attached to a sublegion of General"Mad Anthony" Wayne commanded by Lieutenant William Clark. In sharing the experiences of the Northwest Campaign against the British and Indians, Lewis and Clark fashioned the bonds of an enduring friendship.

On March 6, 1801, Lewis, as a young Army Captain in Pittsburgh, received a letter from the soon-to-be- inaugurated President, Thomas Jefferson, offering Lewis a position as his secretary-aide. It said, "Your knolege of the Western country, of the army, and of all it's interests & relations has rendered it desireable for public as well as private purposes that you should be engaged in that office." Lewis readily accepted the position.

The reference to Lewis' "knolege of the Western country" hinted that Jefferson was again 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.

As he made arrangements for the Expedition, Lewis concluded it would be desirable to have a co-commander. With Jefferson's consent, he offered the assignment to his friend and former commanding officer, William Clark, who was living with his brother, George Rogers, at Clarksville, Indiana Territory. Clark accepted, stating in his reply, "The enterprise &c.; is Such as I have long anticipated and am much pleased. . . . My friend, I do assure you that no man lives whith whome I would perfur to undertake Such a Trip &c.; as yourself."

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. They were relatively young, intelligent, adventurous, resourceful, and courageous. Born leaders, experienced woodsmen-frontiersmen, and seasoned Army officers, they were cool in crises and quick to make decisions. Clark, many times over, would prove to be the right choice as joint leader of the Expedition.

In temperment, Lewis and Clark were opposites. Lewis was introverted, melancholic, and moody; Clark, extroverted, even-tempered, and gregarious. The better-educated and more refined Lewis, who possessed a philosophical, romantic, and speculative mind, was at home with abstract ideas; Clark, of a pragmatic mold, was more of a practical man of action. Each supplied vital qualities which balanced their partnership.

Their relationship ranks high in the realm of notable human associations. It was a rare example of two men of noble heart and conscience sharing responsibilities for the conduct of a dangerous enterprise without ever losing the other's respect or loyalty. Despite the frequent stress, hardships, and other conditions that could easily have bred jealousy, mistrust, or contempt, they proved to be self-effacing brothers in command and leadership. 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 3 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, age 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.

To ensure that these opportunities and facilities are preserved and that others are developed, Congress in 1978 established the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail as a component of the National Trails System. The National Park Service administers the trail in partnership with many Federal, State, and local agencies, private organizations, and private landowners. These cooperating interests manage existing retracement routes and recreation/interpretation sites and work to develop additional opportunities.

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail provides three types of retracement opportunities:

Water Trail Segments are portions of Lewis and Clark's route where the Expedition traveled by water-craft on the Missouri and Columbia Rivers and their tributaries. These portions of their route can be retraced by boat or canoe. Today, long portions of these rivers are composed of a series of dams and impounded lakes. Dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers have locks; those on the Missouri do not. Commercial boat trips are available on some segments, such as the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River (36) and the Gates of the Mountains (46).

Land Trail Segments are portions of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail that will be developed for travel on foot and/or horseback. Three segments are already open for public use: the Roughrider Trail (27), the Lolo Trail (60), and the trail over Tillamook Head I' 'Clark's Mountain and Point of View") in Ecola State Park (79).

Marked Motor Route Segments are portions of Lewis and Clark's overland route where modern-day roads precisely or very nearly follow the historic route and where it is not feasible to establish a footpath for retracement. Although unmarked at present, they can easily be followed by using the general map on the reverse side supplemented by State highway maps.

These three types of retracement opportunities and selected interpretation/recreation sites are shown on the map. Because it is only a general map, it may be necessary to consult highway maps or make local inquiry to find these sites. Some sites have no development and/or public access. Please respect the rights of private property owners.

Marking the sites and segments of the trail with the official marker shown on the map is only just beginning. However, the present lack of markers should pose no difficulty to travelers who consult other available maps and brochures about Lewis and Clark.

Those who wish to explore Lewis and Clark's route primarily by automobile will enjoy following the Lewis and Clark Trail Highway established by State highway agencies in the late 1960's. While the national historic trail very closely follows Lewis and Clark's actual route and method of travel, the highway system provides an opportunity to approximate their entire route by automobile following existing roads. The Lewis and Clark Trail Highway is marked with rectangular signs that utilize the same figures of Lewis and Clark as the national historic trail marker.

Additional Information to assist you in following the route of Lewis and Clark and enjoying its historic and recreational features can be obtained from State and local tourism agencies, chambers of commerce, historical societies, and offices of Federal and State agencies managing public lands and waters that are part of the trail.

You Can Help establish the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail by encouraging and assisting public agencies and private interests along the route to preserve and interpret sites important to the Expedition. Information on establishing, certifying, and marking sites can be obtained by writing to: Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, National Park Service, 1709 Jackson Street, Omaha, NE 68102-2571.

You can also help establish the trail and promote public interest in matters relating to the Lewis and Clark Expedition by joining or supporting the efforts of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, Inc. The Foundation promotes public interest in Lewis and Clark, publishes an informative quarterly magazine, holds an annual meeting along the Expedition route, and assists the National Park Service in its efforts. Information can be obtained by writing to: Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, Inc., 1 72 Briarwood, Helena, MT 59601.

Move on to the continuation of the Lewis and Clark Trail.