Near Pierre in Hughes County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Lewis & Clark Expedition

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 28, 2025

1. The Lewis & Clark Expedition Marker

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 aked 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. A significant historical year for this entry is 1804.

Location. 44° 26.64′ N, 100° 22.549′ W. Marker is near Pierre, South Dakota, in Hughes County. It can be reached from State Road 1804 1.2 miles south of State Route 204, on the right when traveling south. Access is at a turnoff from SD 1804. Follow the paved sidewalk to the gazebo. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20271 SD-1804, Pierre SD 57501, 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 walking distance of this marker: A Tense Three Days

Reverse side The Lewis & Clark Expedition Marker on the left image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 28, 2025

2. Reverse side The Lewis & Clark Expedition Marker on the left

Paved sidewalk leads from a turnoff at SD Road 1804.

(here, next to this marker); The Lewis and Clark Expedition (here, next to this marker); A Changing Landscape (here, next to this marker); The Oahe Dam & Lake (within shouting distance of this marker); Steamboats (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Arikara / The Sioux (approx. 0.9 miles away); Archeology in Oahe Downstream (approx. 0.9 miles away); Sioux Indian Mosaic (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pierre.

The Lewis & Clark Expedition Marker next to a separate marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 28, 2025

3. The Lewis & Clark Expedition Marker next to a separate marker

Overlooking the Missouri River

Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 134 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 22, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.