Stop 6 of 10
William Clark and York at Cumberland Gap, 1806
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
The exact date Clark and York passed through the Cumberland Gap in 1806 is uncertain. However, Col. Arthur Campbell, the gentleman Lewis made the celestial observation for on 23 November, states in a letter to Virginia's Governor Cabell dated 23 February 1807, "I have showed the paper (meaning the Certificate of Observation made by Lewis) to General Clarke”. Campbell attached a second copy of the certificate to the letter sent to Cabell. (1)
With a special salute to Lorna Hainesworth for her very factual report and background explanation for Col. Campbell’s celestial observation request, conducted by Meriwether Lewis, a likely location of the observation, and the historical marker placed near the site in the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, we urge the reading of Meriwether Lewis’ Survey AT Cumberland Gap, 2011.
https://www.academia.edu/24183110/Meriwether_Lewis_Survey_at_Cumberland_Gap
Lewis’ Certificate, typed cope page 3, above.
In addition to Lorna’s excellent report, we owe a debt of gratitude to Col. Arthur Campbell for his perseverance in communications with the Governors of Kentucky and Virginia. Today, we have Meriwether Lewis’ handwriting in a certificate of celestial observation made at Cumberland Gap, and the fact that all the equipment used during the exploration of the west was not sold in St. Louis. Presently, the location of that sextant and related equipment is unknown but another research project future Lewis and Clark Explorers.
Search for “Mr. Walling’s Cabin
2010 Field Research Team Located “Mr. Walling’s Cabin” site for Meriwether Lewis’ Celestial Observation at Cumberland Gap.
L to R: Wayne Bussell, Attorney and Lewis and Clark Historian - John Russell, Property Owner - Steve Roark, Tennessee State Forster.
Courtesy: Lewis and Clark Trust
Source:
(1) Calendar of Virginia State Papers and Other Manuscripts from Jan, I, 1799 to Dec, 31, 1807, Vol. 9, Page 504.