Iowans looking for a 19th century era adventure this summer won’t have to travel far to celebrate one of America’s pivotal moments in our 228-year history.
The national bicentennial honoring the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1803-1806) began last year in Virginia and will retrace the famous explorers’ route to the Pacific Northwest and its return voyage.
President Thomas Jefferson orchestrated the original odyssey, privately requesting funds from Congress for the legendary trip in advance of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
And so 200 summers ago, a corps of 45 adventurers made its way from the mouth of the Missouri River near St. Louis through what today is 11 states on a mission to find a transcontinental passageway and launch America’s advance westward.
Commanded by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the military entourage led a landmark voyage through 19th century America, documenting their journey with detailed maps and journals chronicling the lay of the land, plant and animal species, and interactions with Native American Indians.
To commemorate the bicentennial, Congress approved funds to raise awareness and promote observance of the 200th anniversary. In a joint effort by federal and state agencies, private and nonprofit organizations and American Indian tribes, the National Park Service is coordinating a traveling exhibition "Corps of Discovery II: 200 Years to the Future" that will visit communities across 18 states and serve as a resource to tell this compelling American story, including the history of American Indians.
The fourth state along the 3,700- mile trek that makes up the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, Iowa will observe the bicentennial celebration with official events planned in three communities, including:
Council Bluffs: July 23-25. White Catfish Camp, Western Historic Trails Center. Planned activities include historic re-enactments, pirogue and keelboat presentation, music, Native American dancing, food and art. Visitors also may check out the National Park Service’s Discovery Corps camp set up on the river trail.
Onawa: Aug. 6-9. Lewis and Clark State Park. Weekend events scheduled to coincide with the grand opening of a $4 million Lewis and Clark visitor’s center. Also features a full-sized replica of the keelboat used by the Lewis and Clark expedition, period re-enactments, music, and refreshments.
Sioux City: Aug. 17-22. Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Floyd Monument National Historic Landmark. Sergeant Floyd 1804 Memorial Encampment will feature living history presentations, including local Honor Guard’s 1804 reveille; flag-raising ceremony featuring a 15-stripe, 15-star replica of the flag carried by Lewis and Clark; arms drills; and Camp Discovery for kids. Events commemorate the death 200 years ago of expedition member Sgt. Charles Floyd, the only fatality of the voyage.
Most of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail follows the Missouri and Columbia Rivers. Many folks are familiar with the road signs featuring the Lewis and Clark logos directing motorists along the route. Unlike the original expedition, whose members sailed, rowed, poled and even pulled a keelboat upriver, modern day adventure seekers may discover legs of the trail by boating, biking or hiking.
The Corps of Discovery opened a new frontier for the North American continent and charted a new course for America, paving the way for pioneers to settle points west of the Mississippi. The bicentennial celebration offers Iowa communities along the trail a great opportunity to showcase their slice of American history and bring it even closer to home for Iowans of all ages.