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

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

• 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. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in East River.

It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

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); Construction (within shouting distance of this marker); Language, Contributions, Regional Tribes (within shouting distance of this marker); Artist Statement (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); Lewis & Clark Memorial Bridge at Chamberlain (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chamberlain.

Other markers no longer nearby. World's Only Corn Palace - Mitchell (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); State Capitol - Pierre (was within shouting distance

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

of this marker but has been permanently removed); Mount Rushmore National Memorial (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); The Making & Meaning of Dignity (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Additional keywords. Lewis & Clark Expedition

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 974 times since then and 40 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.