Washburn in McLean County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Cargo of Discovery
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 4, 2011
1. Cargo of Discovery Marker
"we are all day ingaged packing up Sundery articles to be sent to the President of the U.S."
-William Clark, April 3, 1805
On April 7, 1805, the permanent party of the Lewis and Clark Expedition departed Fort Mandan heading west toward the Pacific Ocean. At the same time. a detachment of soldiers and engagιs, under the leadership of Corporal Richard Warfington descended the Missouri returning to St. Louis.
The keelboat was loaded with may boxes, packages, and trunks containing natural and cultural artifacts intended for President Jefferson. In the company of the passengers were cages housing four magpies, a prairie dog and one sharp-tailed grouse.
To answer the charge set forth by President Jefferson to collect objects worthy of notice, to observe the soil and the face of the country, its growth and vegetable productions, the animals of the country, especially those not known in the east, the Corps of Discovery recorded 178 plants and 122 animals that were completely new to the world of science.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Science & Medicine.
this page online
Location. 47° 17.842′ N, 101° 5.158′ W. Marker is in Washburn, North Dakota, in McLean County. It is on 28th Avenue Southwest near 8th Street Southwest. The marker is located at the Fort Mandan State Historic Site down by the riverfront. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 838 28th Ave SW, Washburn ND 58577, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Dakota’s Drift Prairie and on the Missouri Plateau. 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 Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Current of Change (here, next to this marker); First Farmers (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Below the Freezing Point (about 400 feet away); Fort Mandan
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 4, 2011
2. Cargo of Discovery Marker
The marker is on the right.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 118 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 3, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
