Fort Calhoun in Washington County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Lewis and Clark Campsite
July 30 - August 2, 1804
Photographed By Michael James, May 24, 2008
1. Lewis and Clark Campsite: Marker
On July 30 the explorers arrived at the bluff where Fort Atkinson would be built less than two decades later. Clark wrote, "The Situation of this place which we Call Council Bluff which is handsom ellevated a Spot well Calculated... for a fort to Command the Countrey and river the low bottom above high water & well Situated under the Command of the Hill for Houses to trade with the Natives." Four days later the Oto Indians, who lived in a village along the Platte River, came to the Lewis and Clark camp for a council. Captain Clark "mad up a Small preasent for those people in perpotion to their Consiqunce also a package with a meadile to accompany a Speech for the Grand Chief after Brackfast we collected those Indians under an orning of our Main Sail... Delivered a long Speech to them expressive of our journey and the wirkes of our Government, Some advice to them and Directions how They were to Conduct themselves."Erected by Nebraska State Historical Society, National Park Service. (Marker Number 341.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration
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Location. 41° 27.311′ N, 96° 0.946′ W. Marker is in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, in Washington County. Marker can be reached from Madison St, 0.6 miles east of U.S. 75. Located in the trees just North of the Visitor's Center in Fort Atkinson State Historical Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Calhoun NE 68023, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fort Atkinson (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Fort Atkinson (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Death of Marshal Suverkrubbe (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Lewis and Clark Expedition (approx. 4.2 miles away); Up the Missouri (approx. 4.2 miles away); Steamboat Bertrand (approx. 4.6 miles away); Lewis and Clark Campsite Area (approx. 4.8 miles away); DeSoto Townsite (approx. 5.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Calhoun.
Photographed By Michael James, May 24, 2008
2. Lewis and Clark Sculpture
In the background is a sculpture depicting Lewis and Clark's famous "First Council."
Photographed By Michael James, May 24, 2008
3. Fort Atkinson
In the background is historic Fort Atkinson.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2008, by Michael James of Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. This page has been viewed 1,996 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 24, 2008, by Michael James of Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Pictures of sculpture depicting Lewis and Clark's "First Council." • Can you help?
