down the trodden path...

down the trodden path.... . , The path before you represents the Corps of Discovery's journey on the Columbia River – from its confluence with the Snake to the Pacific Ocean. Entering the Columbia in mid-October 1805, they travelled along the river from shore to shore emerging at its mouth on November 7, 1805. The expedition overwintered at Fort Clatsop (Astoria) and returned home the following spring, passing many of the same landmarks. , The black granite tiles portray journal entries and summaries of the travel down the Columbia toward the Ocean. The return journey is addressed by the green tiles. The "art" tiles with "found objects" are designed to pique your curiosity about the expedition's discoveries. , All the tiles are proportionately spaced according to the expedition's progression along the river. Closely spaced tiles indicate longer time spent at certain locations; tiles spaced far apart indicate a greater travel distance along the river. To experience this journey, walk the path and read the journals. Learn about obstacles and discoveries recorded by Lewis and Clark in 1805-06. A magnifying glass icon indicates the discovery of a new plant or animal species. , Lewis and Clark were instructed by President Jefferson to take careful note of the plants and animals of the West. In all, the expedition recorded 178 plants and 122 animals never previously described. During the winter respite of 1805-06 at Fort Clatsop, OR, Meriwether Lewis described 35 mammals, 50 birds, 10 reptiles and fish, and 5 invertebrates - of these, 11 mammals, 11 birds, and 2 fish were new to science. , President Jefferson also instructed the explorers to meet with Indian tribes and record their customs, languages, populations, religions, food, clothing, and willingness to trade with Americans. Their journals are filled with entries - providing in some instances the first and sometimes the only - detailed descriptions of this region's different native peoples.