What was the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery Expedition, was an exploration mission commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1804. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the expedition aimed to explore the newly acquired western territory of the United States, known as the Louisiana Purchase.

Why was the Lewis and Clark Expedition significant?

The Lewis and Clark Expedition was significant for several reasons. It provided crucial information about the geography, natural resources, and Native American tribes of the western portion of the United States. It helped to establish American claims to the Pacific Northwest and paved the way for future westward expansion.

Who were Meriwether Lewis and William Clark?

Meriwether Lewis was Thomas Jefferson's personal secretary and an experienced frontiersman. William Clark was an experienced military officer and friend of Lewis. Together, they were appointed by Jefferson to lead the expedition.

How long did the Lewis and Clark Expedition last?

The expedition officially began on May 14, 1804, and ended on September 23, 1806, lasting a total of about two and a half years.

What was the goal of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

The primary goal of the Lewis and Clark Expedition was to find a practical water route across the western portion of the continent, commonly referred to as the `Northwest Passage.` They also aimed to establish trade with Native American tribes, collect scientific data, and document the natural resources of the region.

What challenges did the expedition face?

The expedition faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions, treacherous terrain, encounters with hostile Native American tribes, and the physical and psychological toll of the journey. They had to navigate rivers, cross mountains, and endure long periods of isolation and hardship.

What were some notable achievements of the expedition?

The expedition achieved several significant milestones, including reaching the Pacific Ocean, establishing friendly relations with many Native American tribes, and collecting valuable scientific data and specimens. They also created detailed maps of the region, opening up opportunities for future settlement and exploration.

What was the role of Sacagawea in the expedition?

Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman, played a vital role as an interpreter, guide, and cultural liaison for the expedition. Her knowledge of the local geography and her ability to communicate with different Native American tribes proved invaluable to Lewis and Clark.

Did the Lewis and Clark Expedition find the Northwest Passage?

No, the expedition did not find a navigable water route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which was their initial objective. However, their exploration provided important insights into the geography and resources of the western region of the United States.

What was the legacy of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

The expedition's legacy is significant. It contributed to the understanding of the vast western territories, stimulated further exploration and settlement of the American West, and provided valuable scientific and cultural insights. The journals and maps created by Lewis and Clark remain valuable historical documents to this day.

Historical Marker

Lewis & Clark Trail

Historical marker location:

700 South Washington Avenue, Pierre, South Dakota

( Marker can be reached from Parkwood Drive, 0.2 miles south of East Dakota Avenue, on the right when traveling south.)

Griffin Park

A brief timeline of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

1803: President Thomas Jefferson commissions Meriwether Lewis, his personal secretary, to lead an expedition to explore the western territories of the United States and find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean.
1804: Lewis meets up with William Clark, a former army officer and experienced explorer, in Kentucky. They assemble a team of over 30 men and set out on the journey up the Missouri River.
1805: The expedition reaches the Rocky Mountains and crosses the Continental Divide. They build Fort Clatsop on the Pacific coast and spend the winter there, before returning east in the spring of 1806.
1806: Lewis and Clark split up to explore different routes on their way back to St. Louis. They reunite in September and return to civilization, where they are celebrated as national heroes.
1807: The Lewis and Clark Expedition publishes an official account of their journey, called the "History of the Expedition Under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark," which becomes a bestseller and helps to promote westward expansion.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition was a significant event in the history of the United States, as it helped to expand the country's knowledge of its western territories and paved the way for future settlement and exploration of the region.

The famous Wild West outlaw, Calamity Jane, lived and worked in South Dakota for a time. She even claimed to have saved the life of legendary gunslinger Wild Bill Hickok in the town of Deadwood.

About Hughes County

Hughes County, located in South Dakota, has a rich history that can be traced back to the time of Native American tribes. For centuries, the land was inhabited by the Lakota Sioux, who primarily lived as nomadic hunters and gatherers. They roamed the vast plains and made use of the Missouri River for transportation and resources.

European settlement began in the 1800s, with fur traders and explorers venturing into the area. In 1803, with the Louisiana Purchase, the land, including what is now Hughes County, became part of the United States. The establishment of Fort Pierre in 1817 as a trading post and military base further expanded Euro-American presence in the region.

As settlers arrived, conflicts arose between the Native American tribes and the newcomers. These tensions escalated during the mid-1800s, culminating in the Great Sioux War of 1876-1877. This war, which included the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn, marked a turning point in the relation between Native Americans and the U.S. government.

In 1880, Hughes County was officially named after Alexander Hughes, a prominent figure in the Dakota Territory at the time. The county's development accelerated with the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, bringing more settlers and opportunities for growth. Over the years, agriculture and ranching became vital economic activities, with farms and ranches dotting the rolling prairies.

Today, Hughes County continues to thrive as a vibrant community within South Dakota, with its county seat located in the city of Pierre. It serves as the state capital and is home to various governmental institutions. The county's history, deeply rooted in Native American heritage and European settlement, is celebrated and preserved through museums, cultural events, and ongoing efforts to honor the diverse past of the region.

Hughes County Timeline

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hughes County, South Dakota.

1880: Hughes County established
1882: Pierre becomes the county seat
1883: First courthouse built in Pierre
1889: South Dakota becomes a state
1905: Hughes County Courthouse is constructed
1951: Fort Pierre Bridge opens, connecting Pierre and Fort Pierre
1981: Oglala Lakota College opens a satellite campus in Pierre
2006: American Indian Cultural Center opens in Pierre
2010: State Capitol dome in Pierre is gilded with gold
2018: Lewis and Clark Regional Water System expands into Hughes County