Chamberlain Township in Brule County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Plant Life

Chamberlain and the Lewis & Clark Expedition

March 3, 2024

1. The Plant Life Marker

Inscription. Most of the native plants you see here are direct descendants of those found by Lewis and Clark when they arrived in the fall of 1804. As they traveled, the captains always noted stands of timber because they needed wood for kindling and because deer and other game were abundant in the woods. Near Chamberlain they found willow, red cedar, cottonwood, elm, white oak, and wild plum trees.

The captains found the yucca, or soap plant, which was used for many purposes by Native Americans.
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South Dakota Tourism
South Dakota Tourism

Lewis and Clark gathered and returned to President Jefferson more than 230 plant specimens and many seeds and plant cuttings. Many of these were unknown to scientists of the day. Plants you see here which became part of the collection include hackberry, buckbrush, wild plum, skunkbrush sumac, chokecherry, and snowberry.
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1804.

Location. 43° 49.661′ N, 99° 18.704′ W. Marker is near Chamberlain, South Dakota, in Brule County. It is in Chamberlain Township.

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It can be reached from State Highway 50 south of Thunder Road, on the right when traveling south. Located in Roam Free Park north of Chamberlain. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chamberlain SD 57325, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East River.

It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Missouri River (here, next to this marker); Divine Infant Home (approx. 0.6 miles away); St. Joseph's Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Chamberlain (approx. 1.2 miles away); Barger Park (approx. 1.3 miles away); Roland L. Dolly Memorial Recreational Trail (approx. 1.9 miles away); This was until 1953 American Island (approx. 2.4 miles away); Missouri River Bridges of South Dakota (approx. 3.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chamberlain.

The Plant Life Marker (right) image. Click for full size.

March 3, 2024

2. The Plant Life Marker (right)

March 3, 2024

3. The Plant Life Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2024. This page has been viewed 228 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 7, 2024.