The Lewis and Clark expedition succeeded because of the collaborative efforts of many. Consisting of military men, scientists, a slave, and a French-speaking translator and his wife, the expedition encompassed a diverse group of explorers. In 1803, many of these individuals had little knowledge of the journey that lay ahead of them. Their story would come to reflect loss, hope, disappointment, hunger, fatigue, and strength.

Over two centuries later, visitors can still follow the historic trail once traveled by the expedition. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail commemorates the historical events, Native cultures, and places associated with the journey of the Corps of Discover. The National Park Service operates the National Historic Trail, partnering and collaborating with tribes; federal, state, and local agencies; and private organizations. These distant groups cooperate and communicate over the 3,700-mile span of the trail in order to provide visitors with accurate information and interactive experiences.

The story of Lewis and Clark is inseparable from the story of the American Indians they encountered. Tribes such as the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Nez Perce established friendly relationships with the Corps of Discovery, offering trade, food, and guides along their journey. Lewis and Clark’s expedition would alter the American Indian way of life. Thus, the National Park Service actively works to recognize American Indians through its presentation of the Corps of Discovery.

Call (402) 661-1804 or visit http://www.nps.gov/lecl/planyourvisit/hours.htm for more information concerning the National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitors Center operating hours, fees, directions, etc.

Credits and Sources:

Content for this Next Exit History site sponsored by the Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation. For more information visit http://lewisandclark.org/.

Lewis, Meriwether, William Clark, and Bernard DeVoto.  The Journals of Lewis and Clark, foreword by Steven Ambrose. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, Co., 1997.

National Park Service. “American Indians.” Accessed December 10, 2014. http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/lewisandclark/indians.htm.

National Park Service. “From the Plains to the Pacific.” Accessed June 6, 2014.  http://www.nps.gov/lecl/index.htm.

National Park Service. “History & Culture.”  Accessed June 6, 2014.  http://www.nps.gov/lecl/historyculture/index.htm.

National Park Service. “Things to Do.” Accessed June 13, 2014. http://www.nps.gov/lecl/planyourvisit/things2do.htm.

National Park Service. “Welcome to the National Lewis and Clark Trail Offices - National Park Service.” Accessed June 13, 2014.    http://www.lewisandclarktrail.com/section1/necities/Omaha/lctnps.htm.