William Clark Monument

This Monument is erected in honor and loving memory of William Clark, by his son, Jefferson Keany Clark

William Clark received his commission as Lieutenant from George Washington in 1791. He was appointed Brigadier General by Thomas Jefferson in 1807, and reappointed as such by James Madison in 1811. He was made Governor of Missouri Territory by this President in 1813, and recommissioned twice by him, being again appointed Governor by James Monroe in 1820, who also made him Superintendent of Indian Affairs in 1822. His great fame as an explorer was won on the expedition of 1804-5-6.

This primary exploration through more than four thousand miles of savage wilderness, planted the flag of the United States for the first time on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. It completed the extension of the United States across the vast western region of the american continent and gave us our outlook toward the orient.

"The expedition of Lewis and Clark across the continent in 1804-5-6 marked the beginning of the process of exploration and colonization which thrust our national boundaries to the Pacific."

William Clark-Monument Rededication-Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Signature Event-May 21, 2004. Orginally dedicated on October 2, 1904 during the Louisana Purchase exposition World's Faith and Centennial Celebration of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This monument was erected by a provision in the will of Jefferson Kearny Clark, William Clark's Youngest son. His widow Mary Susan Glasgow Clark was the overseer of the project.