Elk Grove in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Lewis & Clark Expediton

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer

1. The Lewis & Clark Expediton Marker

NOTABLE OUTBOUND POINTS (green, east to west): Depart Camp River Dubois, (winter quarters, 1803-1804) May 14, 1804; First Council with Indians (Otoes and Missourias) August 3, 1804; Sgt. Charles Floyd Dies, August 10, 1804; Confrontation with the Teton Sioux, September 25-28, 1804; Fort Mandan is Constructed, Toussaint Charbonneau, Sacagawea and their son Jean Bapiste join the Expedition. (winter quarters, 1804-1805; Decision Point, Lewis and Clark correctly determine the Missouri River route ahead to the Great Falls, June 2, 1805; Portage Around the Great Falls of the Missouri River, June 13 - July 15, 1805; Purchase Horses from Shoshone Indians, ensuring a Safe Passage through the Bitterroot Mountains, August 30, 1805; Nez Perce help Lewis and Clark prepare for their Journey to the Columbia River, September 26 - October 7, 1805; Arrive at the Pacific Ocean, November 15, 1805.
NOTABLE INBOUND POINTS (orange, west to east): Fort Clatsop is Constructed, (winter quarters, 1805-1806), Return trip begins on March 23, 1806; Expedition Splits, Lewis and party head north to explore the Marias River. Clark and party head south and follow the Yellowstone River., July 3, 1806, Clark Engraves his name on the side of a Sandstone Butte along the Yellowstone River, July 25, 1806; Lewis and Clark Parties Rejoin, August 17, 1806; Arrive in St. Louis, September 23, 1806.

Inscription. In 1804-1806, Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led the Corps of Discovery on an epic journey. Charged by President Thomas Jefferson to find a water route to the Pacific Ocean through the newly acquired Louisiana territory, they mapped the land, recorded its resources, and met with and learned from its native inhabitants.
The landscape 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. Today, visitors can travel in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark to share in the diverse perspectives of the Expedition and to gain a better understanding of the history of the United States.

In preparation for the journey, Meriwether Lewis took crash courses in medicine, botany, zoology, and celestial observation. With President Jefferson's permission Lewis asked his friend and former commanding officer, William Clark to be co-leader. Clark brought his skills as an outdoorsman, a geographer and map-maker. Although opposite

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in temperament, they worked harmoniously throughout the two-year journey.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list.

Location. 38° 22.602′ N, 121° 27.307′ W. Marker is in Elk Grove, California, in Sacramento County. It can be reached from the intersection of Franklin Boulevard and Hood Franklin Road, on the left when traveling north. This marker is located in the Franklin Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elk Grove CA 95757, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sacramento Metro,

in Sacramento Valley,

and specifically in the Central Valley.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

The Lewis & Clark Expediton Marker on the left image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer

2. The Lewis & Clark Expediton Marker on the left

5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Alexander Hamilton Willard (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Alexander Hamilton Willard (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Alexander Hamilton Willard (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Original Town Site of Elk Grove (approx. 4.1 miles away); James Hall (approx. 4.3 miles away); The Lincoln Highway (approx. 4.3 miles away); Old Elk Grove (approx. 4.3 miles away); Elitha Cumi Donner - Wilder (approx. 4.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elk Grove.

The entrance to the Franklin Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer

3. The entrance to the Franklin Cemetery

Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 486 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 22, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.