Hartford in Madison County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Journey Begins Here

Photographed By Christopher Light, July 28, 2007

1. The Journey Begins Here Marker

Inscription. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark of the Corps of Discovery stayed at Camp River Dubois during the winter of 1803–1804, on their journey to find an all-water-route to the Pacific Ocean. For five months, the Corps stayed near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, training and preparing for the long journey ahead. On May 14, 1804 the expedition traveled up the Missouri River during their journey to the Pacific Ocean. This area has seen many changes since 1804. Imagine how it looked then the Corps of Discovery left on that rainy May afternoon.

Erected 2003 by Illinois Society Children of the American Revolution State President’s Project.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1800.

Location. 38° 48.309′ N, 90° 6.803′ W. Marker is in Hartford, Illinois, in Madison County. Marker is on Levee Road near State Route 3 (Illinois Route 3).

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You’ll see the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site signs directing you onto Levee Road. If you go straight (east) towards the river, you’ll find the marker. Follow the road to the left, you’ll reach the historic site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hartford IL 62048, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Lewis and Clark Expedition (a few steps from this marker); "fixed on a place to build huts" (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Lewis and Clark Expedition in Illinois: A Bicentennial Tribute (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Lewis & Clark Expedition (approx. 0.7 miles away); Lewis and Clark at the Confluence Point (approx. 0.9 miles away in Missouri); American Indian Nations of Missouri (approx. 0.9 miles away in Missouri); Lewis and Clark (approx. 0.9 miles away in Missouri); The Village of Hartford (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hartford.

Missouri River Entering the Mississippi River image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Christopher Light, July 28, 2007

2. Missouri River Entering the Mississippi River

This location is south of the historic camp area. The fort site is probably the far river bank on the right.

Modern shoreline of Camp Dubois image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Christopher Light, July 28, 2007

3. Modern shoreline of Camp Dubois

Reproduction of Camp Dubois at Lewis and Clark State Historic Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Christopher Light, July 28, 2007

4. Reproduction of Camp Dubois at Lewis and Clark State Historic Site

Right next to the marker (½ mile) is the State Historic Site with a reproduction of the fort with people out of the past showing you their chores, hardships, and joys.

Lewis and Clark State Historic Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Christopher Light, July 28, 2007

5. Lewis and Clark State Historic Site

Reproduction of a Keelboat, like the one used by the expedition to ascend the Missouri.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2007, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 1,900 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 10, 2007, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.