This is the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
to explore the Louisiana Purchase.
The book is about 132 pages, including 28 images, and was produced by the Werner School Book Company specifically for Young Americans. (See our ebook catalog for additional books from Werner).
Beyond grammar school, I never remember reading, or remembering much about the Lewis and Clark Expedition (or the Corps of Discovery). I think I envisioned it as being a very long backpacking trip. And I probably assumed that for the men of that day and time, it was just a picnic.
I knew that Lewis & Clark are American explorers, and American heroes, but I had no idea what it took to attain those accolades. After reading this book, I now know that they earned their fame. I think I envisioned it as being a very long backpacking trip. And I probably assumed that for the men of that day and time, it was just a picnic.
The Story of Lewis and Clark
The Louisiana Puchase essentially doubled the size of the United States, so the physical strength, and endurance, the fortitude, and courage, intelligence, and common sense were all necessary attributes of all the members of the expedition. Not only did they have to battle the elements, from oppressive heat, to freezing cold, to dry desert, and flowing rivers, but they also had to contend with wild animals, and some hostile Indians. It is amazing that only one man was lost during the whole expedition, and that was due to an acute case of appendicitis
The Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery was a well documented endeavor, that captured the imagination of the nation. It is an exciting story, and definitely includes details, and stories that I'd never heard before.
For example, in the following passage, I'd never heard of this initiation/custom; (in fact, I didn't realize that there were 'sailors' on the expedition), and the phrase 'equinoctial line'.
At last the Platte River was reached. There the sailors carried out a curious custom. It seems that the passing of the Platte River is regarded by Missouri River boatmen just as the crossing of the equinoctial line is regarded by sailors on the sea. To mark the passing of it every man in the who had never been there before was caught and shaved, unless he could stand treat to his comrades.
This is an interesting one, though kind of bad for the horse:
Early in August they came to the burial-place of a great and awful chief of the Omaha nation named.
Blackbird…………. He was buried sitting erect on horseback.
How about the singing Indians:
No sooner were the explorers settled than a dozen Indians appeared on the opposite bank and began to sing. This was their sign of friendship, and their friendship was very genuine.
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Table of Contents:
INTRODUCTION
I. THE TWO CAPTAINS
II. THE START
III. JUNE AND JULY
IV. THE FIRST INDIAN COUNCIL
V. THE MOUNTAIN OF LITTLE PEOPLE
VI. THE COUNCIL WITH THE SIOUX
VII. AN INDIAN DANCE
VIII.WINTER AMONG THE MANDANS
IX. INDIAN HUNTS
X. THE MANDAN INDIANS
XI. THE WINTER
XII. FIGHTS WITH GRIZZLY BEARS
XIII. A IMPORTANT DECISION
XIV. MAKING A CACHE
XV. AN EXCITING MORNING
XVI. PASSING THE FALLS
XVII. UP THE JEFFERSON RIVER
XVIII. THE COLUMBIA RIVER REACHED
XIX. AMONG THE INDIANS
XX. HESITATION
XXI. DOWN THE SNAKE RIVER
XXII. DOWN THE COLUMBIA
XXIII. FORT CLATSOP AND THE START HOME
XXIV. ASCENT OF THE COLUMBIA
XXV. CROSSING THE BITTER ROOT MOUNTAINS
XXVI. CAPTAIN LEWIS'S ADVENTURES
XXVII. CAPTAIN CLARK'S ADVENTURES
XXVIII. THE END OF THE GREAT EXPEDITION
