Elk Point in Union County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

U.S. Democracy Cross the Mississippi River

Elk Point, South Dakota

— Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail —

U.S. Democracy Cross the Mississippi River Marker image. Click for full size.

September 26, 2026

1. U.S. Democracy Cross the Mississippi River Marker

Inscription. While camped at the "Elk Sign" campsite on August 22, 1804, Captain Merriwether Lewis and William Clark acted to replace Sergeant Charles Floyd, who had taken ill and died two days earlier. They called for the Corps of Discovery to vote on Floyd's replacement.

The election of Private Patrick Gass—the first recorded election in the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase—was a distinct break from military custom. With victory in the War of Independence only 20 years prior, democratic zeal was intense among the expedition's cadre of independent backwoodsmen and its leaders.

Patrick Gass and the Corps of Discovery land at the "Elk Sign" campsite, August 22, 1804. All illustrations by Linda Scarmon - 2001

"ordered a Vote of the men for a Sergeant of the three highest numbers a choice to be made. The highest numbers are P. Gass had 19 votes Bratton & Gibson
William Clark, August 22, 1804

Patrick Gass
Sgt. Patrick Gass (1771-1870)
Patrick Gass was a key member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806), serving as both a carpenter and a leader. Born in 1771 in Pennsylvania, Gass had prior military experience before

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joining the expedition as a private. When the expedition's original sergeant, Charles Floyd, died early in the journey, Gass was elected by his fellow explorers to take his place, making him an essential figure in maintaining discipline and organization.

Gass's skills as a carpenter proved invaluable, as he played a major role in constructing the expedition's winter quarters, including Fort Mandan in present-day North Dakota and Fort Clatsop in Oregon. His work provided much-needed shelter during the harsh winters, ensuring the expedition's survival.

Beyond his craftsmanship, Gass made history by being the first member of the expedition to publish an account of the journey. His book, A Journal of the Voyages and Travels of a Corps of Discovery (1807), was the first widely available narrative of the expedition, giving the public insight into the team's challenges, interactions with Native American tribes, and the vast landscapes of the American West.

After returning, Gass served in the War of 1812 and later settled in West Virginia, living an astonishing 99 years. His firsthand account remains a valuable historical record, offering

Lewis and Clark's Campsite in Elk Point image. Click for full size.

September 26, 2026

2. Lewis and Clark's Campsite in Elk Point

a unique perspective on one of America's most famous expeditions.

Erected by Lewis and Clark Trail Stewardship Endowment.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 22, 1804.

Location. 42° 40.997′ N, 96° 41.607′ W. Marker is in Elk Point, South Dakota, in Union County. It can be reached from South Harrison Street ¼ mile south of West Jefferson Street. Located at the Lewis and Clark Wayside Exhibit in Heritage Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elk Point SD 57025, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East River.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

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

Patrick Gass Bust & Marker image. Click for full size.

September 26, 2026

3. Patrick Gass Bust & Marker

are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Return to "Elk Sign" Campsite (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named A Land of Plenty (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Entering an Uncertain Land (here, next to this marker); Patrick Gass (here, next to this marker); The Lewis and Clark Expedition (here, next to this marker); Flags of Elk Point (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis & Clark Campsite / Eli Wixson Farm Site (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elk Point (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elk Point.

Other markers no longer nearby. U.S. Democracy Crosses the Mississippi River (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Return to "Elk Sign" Campsite (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); A Land of Plenty (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Entering an Uncertain Land (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near

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it).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2026. This page has been viewed 19 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 31, 2026.