After months of arduous travel, the Corps of Discovery reached the Columbia River at the site of today’s Sacajawea Historical State Park on October 16, 1805. Here, at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers, the Corps camped near a large Sahaptian Village, which Sergeant Whitehouse described as: “. . . in a very pleasant situated place.” They camped for three days, meeting with local tribes and preparing for their decent to the Pacific Ocean.

This confluence is a traditional gathering place for multiple tribes. As American settlement reached these lands, this important gathering place was preserved. In 1927, the Daughters of Pioneers of Washington—Pasco Chapter #3—created a small, one acre park at the site to honor the Corps of Discovery and British explorer David Thompson. The Daughters of the Pioneers added trees and shrubs, a flag pole, a monument, and additional acreage. In 1931, they donated their park to the State of Washington. Since 1931, this heritage site has expanded to 284 acres under the stewardship of Washington State Parks. The park was named to honor “Sacagawea,” who played an important role in the Expedition as one of the Corps’ interpreters and as an intermediary with her own people, the Agaiduka Shoshone.

In the late 1930s, the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal Era program, constructed Sacajawea Museum (now called Sacajawea Interpretive Center).  The Center offers visitors opportunities to touch, interact, and listen to the stories of the Corps of Discovery and of Sacagawea. Exhibits also highlight the Native tribes along the Snake and Columbia River. Visitors can picnic, hike, fish, boat, and attend special events offered within the park, and explore “the story circle,” one of Maya Lin’s Confluence Project sculptures.

The center focuses mainly on "the unique historical aspects of the expedition within Lemhi County, bring greater understanding and enlightenment of the Native American and Sacajawea’s people (the Agai’dika) to all the people of the world." Drop by for a taste of what life might have been like in 1805 when the Lewis and Clark expedition descended into the area. Other activities include the Kid's Garden program, Salmon Outdoor School of Discovery, and Summer Day camps.

Call (208) 756-1188, or visit http://www.sacajaweacenter.org/ for more information concerning 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/.

Photos courtesy of Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission #102.2013.1.H17, 102.2013.1.1, 102.2013.1.H15, "Trade Display."

Kubik, Barbara J.  The Story of Sacajawea State Park.  Tri-Cities:  Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau.

Moulton, Gary E.  The Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Thirteen Volumes. Lincoln:  University of Nebraska Press.

Washington State Parks, “Your Guide to Sacajawea State Park and Interpretive Center.” Accessed May 2014. http://www.parks.wa.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/870.

Washington State Parks, “Sacajawea Interpretive Center.”  Accessed May 2014. http://www.parks.wa.gov/250/Sacajawea-Interpretive-Center.