White Cloud in Doniphan County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 1, 2011
1. The Lewis and Clark Expedition Marker
In 1804-06, Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led about 40 soldiers and boatmen on an epic journey. President Thomas Jefferson commissioned this "Corps of Discovery" to find a route to the Pacific Ocean through the newly acquired Louisiana territory. Along the way, they mapped the land, recorded its resources, and contacted 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.
The United States purchased the Louisiana territory - more than 830,000 square miles - from France in 1803. President Jefferson selected Meriwether Lewis (far left) to lead an expedition there.
With Jefferson's permission, Lewis asked his friend and former commanding officer, William Clark (left), to be co-leader. Although opposite in temperament, they worked harmoniously throughout the two-year journey.
Erected by National Park
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Native Americans • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson, and the Lewis & Clark Expedition series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1803.
Location. 39° 58.715′ N, 95° 17.645′ W. Marker is in White Cloud, Kansas, in Doniphan County. Marker is on State Highway 7 near Main Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is under the pavilion in the riverfront park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: White Cloud KS 66094, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. "the water…contains a half…Glass of ooze" (a few steps from this marker); Homeland of the Kanza Indians (a few steps from this marker); July 10, 1804 (within shouting distance of this marker); Wilbur Chapman (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); "abounds with Beaver" (approx. 7.7 miles away); Louisiana Purchase / Lewis and Clark Expedition / They Passed This Way / Old Trail Road (approx. 8 miles away in Missouri); Holt County (approx. 8 miles away in Missouri); Irvin Hall (approx. 8.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in White Cloud.
More about this marker. The marker was underwater for an extended period in the summer/fall of 2011 due to severe flooding caused by record winter snowfall and record late-May rain far upriver.
Regarding The Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 1, 2011
2. The Lewis and Clark Expedition Marker
Also see . . .
1. Lewis and Clark National Historical Trail. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on June 3, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Discovering Lewis and Clark. Website homepage (Submitted on June 3, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Website homepage (Submitted on June 3, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
4. The Lewis and Clark Expedition. National Archives website entry (Submitted on June 3, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By National Park Service
3. Map on The Lewis and Clark Expedition Marker
Photographed By Unknown
4. Portraits The Lewis and Clark Expedition Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 518 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 3, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3, 4. submitted on July 20, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
