2019-01-17 04:44:27
The Corps of Discovery explored this area more than 200 years ago. Make discoveries of your own as you follow the trail through Southeast South Dakota. AUG. 21, 1804 The Corps of Discovery enters present-day South Dakota. Here in the "Garden of Eden," food sources are plentiful. Joseph Fields shoots the party’s first buffalo. Interpretive sign located at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, North Sioux City. See one of the last free flowing segments of the Missouri River. AUG. 22, 1804 Following the death of Sgt. Floyd, Lewis and Clark needed a sergeant to replace him. Patrick Gass received 19 votes in the first election by U.S. citizens west of the Mississippi. An exhibit in Elk Point tells the story. AUG. 25, 1804 The explorers hike to Spirit Mound. Area tribes believe that "little people" standing 18 inches tall and carrying arrows inhabit the hill. Interpretive signs found at Spirit Mound Historic Prairie, six miles north of Vermillion on Hwy. 19, which features a 3/4 mile trail to the summit. Three hundred acres of prairie are being restored to original grasses and wildflowers. AUG. 30, 1804 The expedition has its first council with the Yankton Sioux. The explorers present the Yanktons with gifts of tobacco, flags and medals. The Yanktons prepare a feast. Interpretive sign located at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area Welcome Center near Yankton. The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center is another great place to learn more about the expedition, the tribes they encountered and the Missouri River itself. It is located across the bridge over Gavins Point Dam. SEPT. 2, 1806 On the return trip Lewis and Clark meet up with a group of Yankton Sioux, realize they are friends, and smoke several pipes together as they exchange news. Chief Standing Bear Bridge, near Springfield, now spans the Missouri near the site of this meeting. A scenic lookout offers a spectacular view. SEPT. 7, 1804 The Corps of Discovery sees their first prairie dogs, or as they call them, "barking squirrels." The party spends hours trying to catch one by pouring water into its hole. They eventually manage to send a live prairie dog back to President Jefferson. Interpretive sign located at Fort Randall Dam Visitor Center in Pickstown, near Wagner. SEPT. 11, 1804 After being separated from the party for over two weeks, Private George Shannon re-joins the keelboat. Shannon, the youngest member at age 19, had gotten lost on the prairie and run out of bullets. He went 12 days without food, except for wild grapes and a rabbit, which he shot using a piece of stick in place of a bullet. Interpretive sign located at Snake Creek Recreation Area near Platte. SEPT. 16, 1804 The expedition sets up camp to dry their provisions following three days of rain. Interpretive sign located at the Lewis and Clark Information Center on I-90 at Chamberlain. Step out onto the keelboat-shaped balcony to photograph the river and its gentle bluffs. Exhibits inside depict items the explorers brought on their journey and wildlife the Corps encountered. For more information about cities, attractions and lodging along the Lewis and Clark Trail visit southeastsouthdakota.com/journey/lewisclark- trail
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