I've noticed that my own state of Idaho has a peculiar fascination with the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804. After all, part of Idaho's claim to fame is what happened to the explorers when Lewis & Clark reached the land that would become the state of Idaho. During a trip up north to Lewiston last fall, I became more aware of how much Idaho celebrates Lewis and Clark and a Shoshone woman named Sacajawea.
Sacajawea Statue at Lewis-Clark State College
On August 12, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition crossed Lemhi Pass into present-day Idaho and shortly thereafter met a band of Lemhi Shoshonis. Lewis and Clark had brought along a young woman named Sacajawea and also her husband Charbonneau. They met Charbonneau, a French fur trapper, and Sacajawea at Fort Mandan during the previous winter and hired them as interpreters. Sacajawea would prove to be especially important. Lewis and Clark traded with the Shoshones and, with Sacajawea's help, was able to procure much needed horses to continue their journey.
Lewis and Clark with Nez Perce Chief Twisted Hair
The Corps of Discovery went back into Montana but then headed west again, crossing back into Idaho at Lolo Pass in September. Traveling across the formidable Bitterroot Mountains of north central Idaho was incredibly difficult, and they almost ran out of food. However, they were rescued from starvation by the Nez Perce Indians. The Nez Perce were very friendly and helped the group build canoes to continue. In October, Lewis and Clark camped at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, then departed Idaho and headed into Washington.
Lewis and Clark Camp Marker
Idahoans are proud of this heritage from Lewis and Clark, and I saw many examples on my road trip. The modern-day cities of Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington right across the river are obviously named for the explorers. Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston is named after them. While visiting a friend who goes to school there, I discovered their campus has buildings dedicated to them, and it has a beautiful statue of Sacajawea. We also saw a small interpretive center located next to the Snake and Clearwater Rivers with a replica dugout canoe and a marker pointing out when and where they had camped.
Lewis and Clark is a large part of Idaho's history and that can be seen just by visiting northern Idaho. I find myself continually on the lookout for memorials, statues, and names dedicated to their expedition!
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