Near Ponca in Dixon County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Lewis & Clark Expedition
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 17, 2025
1. The Lewis & Clark Expedition 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.
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.
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
this page online
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. 42° 35.989′ N, 96° 42.673′ W. Marker is near Ponca, Nebraska, in Dixon County. It can be reached from State Highway 26E Spur near Highland Road. This marker is located in Ponca State Park on the Three StatesOverlook/Lewis and Clark Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 88090 Highway Spur 26E, Ponca NE 68770, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Nebraska. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and on the prairies. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A Touch of the East (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 17, 2025
2. The Lewis & Clark Expedition Marker
More about this marker. Duplicates of this marker may be found at several locations along the Lewis and Clark Trao;.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 1, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
