Elk Point in Union County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, March 29, 2016
1. The Lewis and Clark Expedition Marker
In 1804-06, Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led about 40 soldiers and boatmen on an epic journey. President Thomas Jefferson commissioned this "Corps of Discovery" to find a route to the Pacific Ocean through the newly acquired Louisiana territory. Along the way, they mapped the land, recorded the resources, and contracted its native inhabitants.
The landscaped has changed since Lewis and Clark explored it: rivers have been dammed, forests cut over, prairies plowed under, and roads built to the horizon. Although remnants of wilderness still exist, imagine this land as Lewis and Clark first saw it two centuries ago.
[Captions:]
The United States purchased the Louisiana territory - more than 870,000 square miles - from France in 1803. President Jefferson selected Meriwether Lewis (far left) to lead an expedition there.
With Jefferson's permission, Lewis asked his friend and former commanding officer William Clark (left), to be co-leader. Although opposite in temperament, they worked harmoniously through out the two year journey.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration.
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Location. 42° 40.997′ N, 96° 41.612′ W. Marker is in Elk Point, South Dakota, in Union County. Marker can be reached from S. Harrison St., ¼ mile W. Jefferson St.. This marker is located with others to recognize the Lewis and Clark expedition camped here in this park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elk Point SD 57025, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. U.S. Democracy Crosses the Mississippi River (here, next to this marker); A Land of Plenty (here, next to this marker); Entering an Uncertain Land (here, next to this marker); Return to "Elk Sign" Campsite (a few steps from this marker); Lewis & Clark Campsite / Eli Wixson Farm Site (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elk Point (approx. half a mile away); First Election in Northwestern United States (approx. 0.6 miles away); Grasshopper Cross (approx. 4.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elk Point.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, May 14, 2016
2. Lewis & Clark's Historical Markers
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, March 29, 2016
3. Lewis & Clark's Campsite Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2017, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 465 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 17, 2017, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
