In the early nineteenth century, the Teton Sioux, also called the Lakota, controlled the trade on the Missouri River in the region of present-day Pierre, South Dakota. On September 25th, 1804, when Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery arrived at the Bad River, a tributary of the Missouri, they held a council with the Teton Lakota.

On a sandbar, at the mouth of the tributary, Clark began his accustomed speech, but cut it short as he realized the Natives did not understand his interpreter. He showed the chiefs the keelboat, presented them with gifts, and demonstrated the party’s air gun.

Afterward, Clark took the Tetons back to the shore in a pirogue, or small rowboat. Once the boat landed, three young Lakota men grabbed the rope to prevent the pirogue from leaving. Clark felt threatened and drew his sword, while the Lakota warriors strung their bows and Lewis and the corpsmen on the keelboat cocked their firearms. The opponents nearly came to blows. However, Chief Black Buffalo diffused the situation by taking the rope and ordering his men away. The Lakota did not allow Clark to leave the shore, but he sent his men back to the keelboat to get reinforcements. Twelve men joined Clark when the pirogue returned. The Lakota counseled among themselves and most left when the debate was over. Three Tetons camped with the Corps for the night on what Clark called Bad Humored Island, now part of the shore due to the changing path of the Missouri. The Corps spent three more tense days with the Lakota, but ultimately continued upriver without shedding any blood.

Researched, written, and narrated by University of West Florida Public History Student Malina Suity.