Since the time of Columbus; explorers dreamed of a water passage across the North American continent. President Thomas Jefferson shared this dream. He conceived the Corps of Discovery to travel up the Missouri River to the Rocky Mountains and westward along possible river routes to the Pacific Ocean. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led this expedition of 1804–6. Along the way they filled hundreds of notebook pages with observations of the geography; Indian tribes; and natural history of the trans-Mississippi West. This last volume recounts the expedition's experiences as they continued their journey homeward from present-day Idaho and the party divided for separate exploration. Lewis probed the northern extent of the Louisiana Purchase on the Marias River; while Clark traveled southeast toward the Yellowstone to explore the river and make contact with local Indians. Lewis's party suffered from bad luck: they encountered grizzlies; horse thieves; and the expedition's only violent encounter with Native inhabitants; the Piegan Blackfeet. Lewis was also wounded in a hunting accident. The two parties eventually reunited below the mouth of the Yellowstone and arrived back in St. Louis to a triumphal welcome in September 1806.
#934264 in Books Bison Books 2002-06-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x .77 x 5.98l; 1.20 #File Name: 0803264194351 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Comprehensive Version of the Journals of Lewis ClarkBy R. HanesThis is the most comprehensive version of the journals I have yet to read. I is a compilation of material from all the various journals kept by the members of the expedition. I recently visited the site at Great Falls; MT. where the Interpretive Center for that part of the expedition is located. It was well worth the drive to visit the center. I was on a limited schedule so couldn't spend as much time as I wanted but this book has been invaluable in helping fill in the details about the portage around the Falls.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great book!By Chippie NellMy husband has commented several times on the remarkable details in this book. He is really enjoying it and found that some of the men came from our area in Southeastern IL. The seller did a great job of describing the book; even better than expected. The USPS was a bit draggy in delivery but that reflects on them and not the seller. I highly recommend both the book and the seller.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A good character view.By Leif J. NeilsonAs the book points out; most of the journals and writing about the Corp of Discovery has been meant to look at the scientific and geographical aspects of the expedition. This is a good look from the human side; and a great start for someone interested in the history to be introduced to the details of the trip.
