Lewis & Clark National Historical Park!

What Is Lewis & Clark National Historical Park?

Lewis & Clark National Historical Park preserves the sites that were significant to the Corps of Discovery arriving in Oregon!

What Makes It Historical?

At the request of Thomas Jefferson, the Corps of Discovery, set out to survey the land of the brand new Louisiana Purchase. There were 45 to start, led by William Clark and Meriwether Lewis, and after a year and a half of navigating strange rivers, eating strange things, and battling the elements, they arrived here on the coast of what is now Oregon in November 1805!

To pass the winter, they had to decide on a place to stay. This decision was super significant because everyone in the party got an equal vote, including Sagacawea, their super Shoshone guide, and York, who was enslaved by William Clark. They started building their winter fort, called Fort Clatsop, on December 10th and finished in time for Christmas! Here, they endured a tough winter of biting bugs, starvation, and cold, until the weather cleared enough for them to begin their journey home on March 23, 1806.

After returning St. Louis on September 23, they had covered more than 8,000 miles, recorded 120 animal specimens and 200 botanical samples, and begun the first official relations with dozens of Native American tribes. Sadly, their notes are all that remain of some tribes today. Nonetheless, this was one of the most significant explorations in US history!

How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?

Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
Volunteer at Lewis & Clark National Historical Park!
Become a member of the Lewis & Clark National Park Association!
Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!