The epic journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery, is a cornerstone of American history, charting a path across the uncharted west of the newly formed United States. Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, the expedition aimed to explore the Louisiana Purchase, find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean, and document the land, its people, and its natural resources. While the entire expedition spanned years, a significant chapter unfolded at their winter encampment on the Pacific coast, Fort Clatsop. Understanding How Long Did Lewis And Clark Travel In Months specifically at this location provides a crucial insight into the hardships and accomplishments of this remarkable endeavor.
Why Fort Clatsop? Choosing the Winter Encampment Location
After traversing thousands of miles across rivers, mountains, and plains, the Corps of Discovery reached the Pacific Ocean in late 1805. The expedition, however, wasn’t over. With winter approaching and the daunting return journey ahead, Lewis and Clark needed to establish a secure and resourceful winter camp. Their initial attempt to settle on the north bank of the Columbia River proved inadequate, prompting a strategic relocation to the south side, guided by advice from the local Clatsop people.
The site they ultimately selected along the Netul River (now the Lewis and Clark River) was meticulously chosen for its confluence of essential resources. Captain Lewis, leading the scouting party, identified several key advantages:
- Abundant Timber: The surrounding forests offered ample trees for constructing the fort and providing firewood, crucial for shelter and warmth during the wet winter.
- Elevated Terrain: High ground above the tidal reach ensured protection from flooding, a vital consideration in the coastal environment.
- Flat Land: Suitable terrain was needed for building the fort structures and establishing a functional camp.
- Hunting Opportunities: The presence of elk promised a reliable food source, supplementing their dwindling supplies.
- Fresh Water Spring: Access to fresh water was paramount for drinking and daily needs.
- River Access: Proximity to the Netul River facilitated transportation and communication.
- Shelter from Ocean Storms: The location was strategically positioned inland to offer respite from the harsh winter storms of the Pacific coast, while still maintaining proximity to the ocean.
- Clatsop Village Proximity: Being near the Clatsop villages allowed for trade and interaction with the local Indigenous people.
- Salt Production Potential: The nearby ocean provided the necessary resource for boiling seawater to produce salt, a vital commodity they had run out of.
- Proximity to Columbia River Mouth: The location offered a vantage point in case a trading ship arrived, which could potentially resupply their depleted trade goods.
Alt text: Exterior view of the Fort Clatsop replica, highlighting the protective wooden palisade and the structures within, set against a backdrop of trees.
Building Fort Clatsop: A Winter Project
Once the ideal location was secured, the Corps of Discovery embarked on the arduous task of constructing their winter quarters. Starting on December 9, 1805, the men began felling trees and preparing timber. Construction progressed steadily despite the challenging winter conditions, marked by persistent rain and cold.
In approximately three and a half weeks, the core structures of Fort Clatsop were sufficiently completed for the expedition to move in on Christmas Day, 1805. However, the work wasn’t entirely finished. The pickets and gates, essential for the fort’s defense and security, were finalized by New Year’s Day, marking the official completion of Fort Clatsop. This rapid construction in the face of winter underscores the Corps’ resilience and determination.
How Long Did Lewis and Clark Stay at Fort Clatsop?
The central question of how long did Lewis and Clark travel in months at Fort Clatsop has a definitive answer. The Corps of Discovery spent a total of 106 days at Fort Clatsop. This translates to approximately three and a half months.
Their arrival date was December 7, 1805, and they remained at Fort Clatsop until March 23, 1806. On this day, with the winter finally relenting and the promise of spring in the air, the expedition commenced their long-awaited journey back east towards the United States. This period represents a significant portion of their overall expedition time dedicated to rest, recuperation, planning, and preparing for the return journey.
Life at Fort Clatsop: Wintering in the Pacific Northwest
Winter at Fort Clatsop was far from a vacation. The journals of the expedition members paint a vivid picture of daily life, characterized by relentless rain, food scarcity, and the constant need for vigilance. Sergeant Patrick Gass famously noted that out of their 106-day stay, it rained on all but 12 days, with only six of those dry days being sunny.
Food primarily consisted of elk meat, which often became spoiled due to the damp conditions. They supplemented their diet with wapato roots, dried berries, whale blubber, and fish obtained through trade with the Clatsop and Chinook Indians. However, salmon, a staple food of the region, was unavailable during the winter months as they migrate upstream to spawn in other seasons.
Despite the friendly interactions with the local Indigenous populations, the fort served a crucial defensive purpose. In an unfamiliar territory, the fort provided security for their supplies, tools, and offered a sense of military order and improved morale. Sentries were constantly on guard, and the fort’s design, with inward-sloping roofs and a stockade, was intended to deter any potential threats.
Alt text: Fort Clatsop replica interior courtyard, depicting the layout of living quarters and suggesting daily activities within the enclosed space.
Fort Clatsop Today: A Replica and Historical Site
The original Fort Clatsop succumbed to the elements and decayed by the mid-1800s due to the region’s high rainfall and lack of maintenance. The site was later homesteaded, and any remaining traces of the fort were eventually burned.
Today, visitors to Fort Clatsop explore a meticulously constructed replica, built initially in the 1950s and reconstructed in 2006 after a fire destroyed the first replica. While not original, the replica stands on or very near the original fort site, guided by William Clark’s detailed maps and historical accounts. Archaeological investigations have unearthed a few artifacts potentially dating back to the expedition, further solidifying the location’s historical significance.
The replica serves as an invaluable educational exhibit, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine the conditions faced by the Corps of Discovery. While some modern adaptations exist for durability and visitor safety (like a cement foundation and electric lights), the replica faithfully recreates the dimensions and layout of the original fort based on Clark’s journal sketches and knowledge of military encampments of the era.
Key People at Fort Clatsop
Fort Clatsop was home to 33 individuals during that pivotal winter:
- The Captains: Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the leaders of the expedition.
- The Corps of Discovery: Comprising 3 sergeants, 23 privates, and Clark’s enslaved man, York.
- Interpreters: George Drouillard and Toussaint Charbonneau, vital for communication with Indigenous peoples.
- Sacagawea and Jean Baptiste Charbonneau: Charbonneau’s Shoshone wife and their infant son, who became integral members of the expedition.
- Seaman: Lewis’s Newfoundland dog, a constant companion throughout the journey.
These individuals, each playing a crucial role, endured the hardships of Fort Clatsop and contributed to the success of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
The Broader Lewis and Clark Expedition
The winter at Fort Clatsop was a significant phase within the larger context of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The entire expedition lasted from May 14, 1804, when they departed from Camp Wood, Illinois, to September 23, 1806, when they returned to St. Louis. In total, the expedition spanned approximately 2 years, 4 months, and 10 days.
Over this period, they traversed an estimated 8,000 miles, navigating the Missouri and Columbia Rivers, crossing the Rocky Mountains, and reaching the Pacific Ocean. The expedition fulfilled President Jefferson’s objectives, mapping the territory, documenting its natural history, and establishing initial diplomatic contacts with numerous Native American tribes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Lewis and Clark Expedition was a multi-year endeavor, their time spent at Fort Clatsop, answering how long did Lewis and Clark travel in months at this specific location, was approximately three and a half months. This period, though seemingly short in the grand scheme of the expedition, was crucial for rest, resupply, and preparation for the return journey. Fort Clatsop stands as a testament to the Corps of Discovery’s resilience, resourcefulness, and the enduring legacy of their exploration of the American West. Visiting Fort Clatsop today offers a tangible connection to this pivotal chapter in American history, allowing us to appreciate the challenges and triumphs of Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery.
