Near Chamberlain in Brule County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Sojourn at Camp Pleasant

Lewis & Clark Expedition

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 12, 2016

1. Lewis & Clark Expedition Marker

Inscription. When the Corps of Discovery reached present-day Chamberlain on September 16, 1804, they were ready for a break. Since May, one member of the expedition, Sergeant Charles Floyd, had died, possibly of appendicitis. Another, Private George Shannon, had nearly starved to death after being lost for more than two weeks. The expedition had had its first meeting with Yankton Sioux. They’d also had the privilege of seeing things few U.S. citizens had ever seen: huge herds of buffalo, swift pronghorn, sprawling prairies and river bluffs that appeared to be on fire. The party set up camp at a site they called Camp Pleasant and rested.

What’s for supper?
After a long day of fighting the current and maneuvering around sandbars, expedition members worked up an appetite. In fact, each man ate about nine pounds of meat – usually elk or deer – per day. Fish provided another source of food. The men also ate grapes, plumbs and other wild fruits they were able to gather on shore.

Erected by National Park Service South Dakota Arts Council South Dakota Department of Tourism South Dakota Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 114.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration

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• Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 16, 1804.

Location. 43° 47.181′ N, 99° 20.333′ W. Marker is near Chamberlain, South Dakota, in Brule County. Marker is on Interstate 90 at milepost 264. Marker is at the parking lot of the rest area/overlook. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chamberlain SD 57325, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Purple Heart Memorial Highway (a few steps from this marker); State Capitol - Pierre (within shouting distance of this marker); World's Only Corn Palace - Mitchell (within shouting distance of this marker); Mount Rushmore National Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Making & Meaning of Dignity (within shouting distance of this marker); Dignity (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lewis and Clark Bicentennial 1804-2004 (about 300 feet away); Missouri River Bridges of South Dakota (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chamberlain.

Additional keywords. Lewis & Clark Expedition

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 12, 2016

2. Lewis & Clark Expedition Marker

Marker, as seen from the parking lot. Rest Area buildings, with the Missouri River across the background

Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 589 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 27, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.