Lewis and Clark

Historical marker location:
Waverly, Missouri
( Marker is at the intersection of West Thomas Drive and Old Bridge Street, on the left when traveling east on West Thomas Drive.)
Marker installed: 1938

Marker
© OpenStreetMap contributors
  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 University of Missouri, located in Columbia, was the first public university west of the Mississippi River. It was founded in 1839 and has a long history of academic and athletic excellence.
Lafayette County, located in the state of Missouri, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Missouria tribes. In 1820, the United States government signed the Treaty of 1820, which removed the Native American tribes from the area. Shortly after, settlers began to arrive, and the county was officially established on November 16, 1820.

The county was named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French military officer and key figure in the American Revolutionary War. Lafayette County quickly grew in population, primarily due to the establishment of the Santa Fe Trail, which passed through the county from 1821 until the 1870s. The trail brought trade and commerce to the area, resulting in the growth of small towns and businesses along its route.

During the Civil War, Lafayette County became a significant battleground. The county was split between Confederate and Union sympathizers, leading to fierce conflicts. Several important battles took place within the county, most notably the Battle of Lexington in September 1861. The county saw occupation by both Confederate and Union forces at different points during the war, leaving a lasting impact on the local community.

After the Civil War, Lafayette County experienced a period of rebuilding and growth. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century, further enhancing the county's economic development. Today, Lafayette County continues to thrive, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The county's historical significance is celebrated through the preservation of numerous historic sites and landmarks, ensuring that its rich history remains an integral part of its identity.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Lafayette County, Missouri.

  • 1820: Lafayette County established as one of the original counties of Missouri.
  • 1827: Lexington, the county seat, founded.
  • 1829: Pioneer George Caleb Leonard settles near present-day Odessa.
  • 1831: A cholera epidemic sweeps through the county, causing many deaths.
  • 1835: The county courthouse is constructed in Lexington.
  • 1855: Waverly becomes the second county seat.
  • 1861-1865: Lafayette County heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1881: The Lee-Johnson feud, a political and personal conflict, results in multiple deaths.
  • 1893: The Chicago & Alton Railroad is completed, boosting the local economy.
  • 1927: The Kansas City Power and Light Plant in Lexington begins operation.
  • 1961: The construction of Truman Reservoir is completed, providing recreational opportunities.
  • 2003: The Confederate Memorial State Historic Site opens in Higginsville.
  • 2010: Lafayette County's population reaches approximately 33,381.