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

Return to "Elk Sign" Campsite

Elk Point, South Dakota

— Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail —

Return to "Elk Sign" Campsite Marker image. Click for full size.

September 26, 2026

1. Return to "Elk Sign" Campsite Marker

Inscription. The Corps of Discovery returned to this location after a two-year absence on September 3, 1806. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark found their "Elk Sign" campsite occupied by James Aird, a Scottish fur trader. They pressed him eagerly for news from the United States. Aird informed the party that President Jefferson had been reelected in November 1804, and that former Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton had been killed in a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr.

The Corps of Discovery's last communication to President Jefferson was in 1805. The expedition received no news from the United States for nearly two years. President Jefferson feared the explorers had died or been captured by the Spanish Military.

James Aird gave the Captains their first news while taking shelter from the thunderstorm. All illustrations by Linda Scarmon - 2001

"our first enquirey was after the President of our country and the State of politicks.. The State of Indian affairs. . . "
William Clark, September 3rd, 1806

End of a Journey
The morning of September 4, 1806 found the expedition heading downriver with fresh stocks of

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flour and tobacco. Within three hours the Corps arrived at Floyd's Bluff to pay respects to Sgt. Charles Floyd, the expedition's only casualty. Twenty-three days later the Corps of Discovery arrived back in St. Louis to compete their adventurous twenty-eight-month journey.

Artist's rendition of Sgt. Floyd's grave marker
Photo courtesy of the USDA Forest Service

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 date for this entry is September 3, 1806.

Location. 42° 40.997′ N, 96° 41.605′ 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,

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

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: U.S. Democracy Cross the Mississippi River (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 (a few steps from 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. Return to "Elk Sign" Campsite (has been replaced with this marker); U.S. Democracy Crosses the Mississippi River (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

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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 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 17 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 31, 2026.