Historical Marker

Lewis and Clark in Kentucky - John Shields (1769-1809)

One of the "Nine Young Men From Ky." that accompanied Lewis and Clark on 1803-6 expedition to the Pacific Ocean. Shields was born in Va. and moved to Ky. in the 1790s. By 1803 he was married and living in West Point, Hardin Co.

(Reverse) - John Shields (1769-1809) - Wm. Clark recruited Shields to be primary blacksmith and gunsmith on expedition. He was also one of the main hunters and cured a fellow explorer of a serious back ailment. After the expedition, Shields moved to Ind. where he died in Dec. 1809. Presented by Hardin Co.-West Point L & C Bicentennial Com.; Ohio River Chapter-L & C Trail Heritage Foundation; National Park Service; Ky. L & C Bicentennial Commission.