Getting to know about the Epic Journey
One of the most important adventures in the American history is the Lewis and Clark expedition, presented also with the name the Corps of Discovery. This journey was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson after Louisiana Purchase in 1803 in order to explore a new territory along the West, seek trade with tribes of Native Americans, and determine a water path towards the Pacific Ocean. It took place between the years of 1804-1806 and it involved a distance of almost 8000 miles. Whilst the majority of the people have a well-known vague idea about this fateful exploration, they do not realize that behind the parade of events were curious moments, surprising friendship and other awe-inspiring survival tales.
They used a Huge Crew When Traveling
When we recall Lewis and Clark, it is usual that we only visualize the two explorers who go into the wild. As a matter of fact, the journey was made up of nearly 45 members. This group consisted of military men, hunters, interpreters, a slave called York and even one dog. They were termed Corps of Discovery and their motive was scientific as well as diplomatic.
Sacagawea was Just a young girl
Among the most renowned people to take part in the expedition is Sacagawea who was a Shoshone woman recruited into the expedition as an interpreter and a guide. What most people have never understood was that she was just about 16 years old at the time she made the trip-headed by her newly born baby on her back. Even in old age, Sacagawea was very important as she enabled the group to talk to the Native people and identify passageways through the Rocky Mountains. Her personality also acted as an indication of peace after most war parties never had women and children around.
A Newfoundland Dog Was a Key Member
In the expedition, Meriwether Lewis had his Newfoundland breed dog included in the name of Seaman. Seaman was not only a pet, he had to perform his significant roles. The dog assisted in hunting, in guarding of the camp at night as well as in warning the group against wild animals. What is more, Seaman got so useful to the expedition that, once, Lewis had to pay a lot of money to secure the dog against Native natives who wanted to purchase the dog.
They Documented Over 100 New Animals
The scientific discovery was one of the principal purposes of the trip. Lewis and Clark carried this mission well and once they realized that more than 120 species of animals and 178 plant species never known in the scientific community were discovered, they documented everything attentively. These were the prairie dogs, grizzly bears as well as the mountain goats. Descriptions and sketches made by the team were also documented in their journals and a substantial number of them are studied even nowadays.
They Survived a Bear attack by Grizzly Bear
Another scary feat to the explorers was grizzly bears. Grizzlies were very aggressive and more powerful unlike the smaller black bears that they were accustomed to. On a number of instances, some members of the expedition were pursued or even killed by these huge predators. On one of these experiences a number of men had to kill a bear with more than ten shots. These encounterings with death showed this group how to be very watchful whenever moving around in bear country.
The Slave York Was Respected very much
The infamous Black person and slave to William Clark who was the only black member of the Corps of Discovery team York became an esteemed person in the team. Beauty and strength enabled York to be perceived as a very powerful individual among different tribes of Native Americans. To the many tribes, this was the first time to see a Black person and they were very fascinated by him. York was also an active participant of the expedition as he assisted in hunting, camping and also shared the dangers. He had played a very crucial role but yet he was not granted his freedom until many years later.
They consumed more than 200 Pounds of meat a day
The expedition had food as a constant preoccupation. Rowing, hiking and carrying heavyweight were some of the activities that consumed several calories every day among the men. Sometimes they had to feed group members with more than 200 pounds of meat a day. They used to hunt elk, deer and bison but there were also periods when hunters did not have too much food. Those times compelled them to feed on dogs, horses, or some candles consisting animal fats.
They Sent a Prairie Dog Back to the President
The most of the prairie dog stories are quite amusing, one of which was on the expedition. Lewis and Clark killed the animal and shipped it back to President Jefferson in Washington D.C its full way. They unearthed the prairie dog out of his hole and stored it alive to the White House in several months. Jefferson was a keen scientist, and delighted at the present (which was studied by naturalists).
They Almost Lost their Lives in the Bitter root Mountains
One of the events in which the team had to encounter one of their greatest challenges was when they were to cross the Bitterroot Mountains which is now part of Idaho and Montana. There were rough weather, dearth of food, and dangerous landscape. They used to be starving at one time they would even boil and eat candles. Before they came across the Nez Perce tribe they were on the verge of starvation and when they came across the tribe they treated them very well and helped them to recuperate.
The Expedition was a Successful one
In 1806, Lewis and Clark Expedition finally came back to St. Louis after two years, four months and ten days. They had achieved almost all that they had embarked to. They brought in the mapping of the western part of the country, contact with most tribes of Native Americans, and the collection of the priceless data of the science. They were very much painted in the imagination of the people of America, and their adventure fostered the access to west expansion.
Conclusion
Lewis and Clark Expedition is the most legendary adventure in American history, not because of the extent of mission, but also through the escapades that emerged out of it. It was a trip ranging from teenage mothers to the intrepid dogs, bear attacks to the scientific discovery, and it was much more than drawing a map. It was a spectacular, risky and an inspiring tale of dares, wonder, and survival that amazes historians and readers even today.
