Troubles with Transportation in Pittsburgh
In Pittsburgh, Lewis encountered significant delays in the construction of the keelboat. The boat builder’s slow progress caused Lewis considerable frustration and delayed the expedition’s…
Journey Phase: Westward Journey (1803-1805)
Heavy Boat in Low Water
Near Steubenville, Ohio, the keelboat encountered difficulties navigating the low water levels of the Ohio River. The heavy vessel required careful maneuvering through shallow stretches.
Federal Agents on the Ohio River
Lewis and his small crew continued down the Ohio River, passing Charlestown, Virginia (now West Virginia), where they encountered federal agents monitoring river traffic.
By Horse to Big Bone Lick
Near Cincinnati, Lewis made a side trip by horse to Big Bone Lick, Kentucky, a famous fossil site. He collected specimens of mammoth bones to…
Co-Commanders Meet
At the Falls of the Ohio near Louisville, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark met and joined forces. This meeting marked the beginning of their legendary…
Camp Site at West Point
The expedition made camp near West Point, Kentucky, as they continued their journey down the Ohio River toward the Mississippi.
Ft. Massac and ‘A Man of Much Merit’
At Fort Massac in Illinois, Lewis and Clark recruited George Drouillard, described by Lewis as ‘a man of much merit.’ Drouillard would prove invaluable as…
Celestial Observations and Ft. Jefferson
At the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, Lewis made celestial observations to determine the exact latitude and longitude. The precision of these measurements…
Against the Current
The Corps of Discovery began their journey up the Mississippi River, fighting against the powerful current. This challenging stretch tested the men and their equipment…
Trouble with the Spanish in St. Louis
In St. Louis, Lewis encountered difficulties with Spanish authorities who still controlled the Louisiana Territory at this time. The political situation required careful diplomacy as…