November 15, 1805: Lewis and Clark Expedition reaches the Pacific Ocean

[Valin]

HistoryLink.org

 

On November 15, 1805, Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Volunteers for Northwestern Discovery reach the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the Columbia River, one year, six months, and one day after leaving St. Louis, Missouri, in search of the legendary "Northwest Passage" to the sea.

 

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Landing at the highest spot they could find on the northern (Washington) side of the Columbia River estuary, they established what they called "Station Camp." The site is commemorated by Lewis and Clark Campsite State Park, a tiny roadside attraction two miles southeast of what is now the town of Chinook, on U.S. Route 101. The location of the actual campsite is a matter of conjecture, since the shoreline has shifted by several hundred feet since Lewis and Clark passed through.

 

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Both Lewis and Clark were in camp on November 20, when two of the most important chiefs of the Chinook came to visit: Shelathwell (Chil-lar-la-wil in Clark’s spelling) and Comcomly. One of the members of their large retinue was wearing a robe made from sea otter pelts, which Clark described as "more butifull than any fur I had ever Seen." The captains wanted to buy the robe as evidence of the wealth to be tapped if a trading post were to be established at the mouth of the Columbia. The owner refused everything they offered in trade. Finally, the captains pointed to a belt of blue beads worn by Sacagawea, "the Squar-wife of our Interpreter Shabono" (Clark, Nov. 20, 1805). The Chinook accepted. Sacagawea’s feelings about the matter were not recorded.

 

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More Here

PBS: Lewis & Clark

Lewis & Clark Trail

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc9tG9aD3P4&feature=plcp

[nickydog]

Undaunted Courage is one of my favorite books. What a story!