States on the Trail

Idaho
In September 1805, nearing starvation, the Corps of Discovery emerged from the Bitterroot Mountains around present-day Weipe, Idaho, where they were fed and cared for by the Nez Perce.

Illinois
In the late fall of 1803 the Corps of Discovery paused and recruited at Forts Massac and Kakaskia, and then established winter quarters at Camp River Dubois (Wood River) in the present-day state of Illinois.

Indiana
In October of 1803, Meriwether Lewis met William Clark and spent time planning the expedition at the cabin of Clark’s brother, General George Rogers Clark in Clarksville, Indiana.

Iowa
Only one man died on Lewis and Clark’s expedition up the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean and back. Sgt. Charles Floyd’s final resting place is on a high bluff overlooking the Missouri, just south of Sioux City Iowa.

Kansas
The summer of 1804 took the U.S. Army expedition along the northeast corner of what is now the state of Kansas. While there they disciplined unruly Corps members and celebrated the fourth of July.

Kentucky
Lewis stopped at Big Bone Lick on his way to meet Clark near the Falls of the Ohio. While in the area of present-day Louisville, they recruited and enlisted “nine young men from Kentucky.”

Missouri
As the location for the beginning of the major part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Missouri has a unique role in history. Missouri also has many significant attractions that should not be overlooked on your journey of discovery of Lewis and Clark.

Montana
As the intrepid team of explorers crossed from familiar Mandan country into the territory that would become Montana, they experienced natural wonders, remarkable obstacles, and breathtaking landscape.

Nebraska
“They reached a high bluff near the river in modern Nebraska, which they would call Council Bluff, for there they had their first council with the chiefs of the Otos and Missouris, informing them of the change in sovereignty in Louisiana…” – Gary Moulton

North Dakota
The Corps of Discovery was comforted and supported by the Mandan and Hidatsa during their 1805 winter encampment near present-day Bismarck. Here they made two of their most valuable contacts during the expedition in the persons of Sheheke and Sacagawea.

Oregon
Oregon was home to Lewis & Clark's 1805 winter camp at Ft. Clatsop and the Centennial Exposition in 1905. In the Winter of 2005 Oregon will host a Bicentennial Commemoration that will include a Signature Event and the National Exhibit.

South Dakota
Elk Point became the site of first election west of the Mississippi, when the party elected Patrick Gass to replace Sgt. Floyd. The expedition also experienced encounters with both the Yankton Sioux and the Teton Sioux while ascending the Missouri River.

Virginia
In addition to being home to Thomas Jefferson and Meriwether Lewis, Virginia had roots for William Clark, York, John Shields, as well as Reuben and John Field. Virginians James Monroe, James and Dolly Madison were also instrumental in the expedition.

Washington
The state of Washington features vistas that challenged description by those who journaled on the Lewis and Clark expedition. The Trail from Clarkston to Long Beach can be considered as the culminating phase to this epic journey.

West Virginia
Lewis stopped along the Ohio River in West Virginia during 1803 preparations for the great expedition. At Harpers Ferry he procured knives, pipe tomahawks, rifles, ammunition, gun repair parts, and a custom-made collapsible boat for use on the journey.