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Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, along with their troops, the Corps of Discovery, reached what is today Oregon in October of 1805 and their hopes were raised as they moved closer and closer to their goal of reaching the Pacific Ocean. The rapids through out the Columbia River became a challenge. Some they were able to run, but several were so dangerous they were forces to portage their supplies, significantly slowing the progress west. Finally, November 7, 1805, the Pacific Ocean was sighted. The Corps were elated that at last they had reached this final destination, but spirits were also clouded due to the realization that a long winter lay ahead. The group, together, decided to move away from the shore to the south of the Columbia River to weather the coming months. They had been advised that game was plentiful, there was a chance to sight ships and replenish their supplies and trade goods for the return trip, and they could focus on making salt to cure meat for the long return that was ahead of them. They built a winter home, Fort Clatsop, named in honor of the local Clatsop Indians, near what is today Astoria, Oregon, and moved in on December 24, 1805. They spent the next four months at Fort Clatsop, and although it was a cold and damp winter, they were able to prepare and rest for the return trip home. Near the end of March of 1806, the Corps of Discovery started their trip toward home. They said farewell to the Clatsop Indians and presented the fort to them as a gift. They set out on their journey in dugout canoes, again often having to portage around rapids they encountered. They again met with many Indian Nations, both friendly and threatening, as they pushed ahead to meet again with the Nez Perce to retrieve their horses that would allow them to cross the mountains ahead. The Corp of Discovery spent nearly 8 months in the Oregon Territory mapping the rivers, discovering wildlife, meeting the peoples, and documenting the beauty of the region. Their extended presence strengthened the United States claims to this territory and forged a route by which many settlers would journey across the Great Plains, over the formidable Rocky Mountain range, along the tempestuous Columbia River to a fertile land golden in opportunity to hopeful pioneers. Links: Lesson Plans for Further Study Web Resources |
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