Downtown in Omaha in Douglas County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
endeavor to make yourself acquainted…with…the nations
Thomas Jefferson's instructions to Meriwether Lewis, June 20, 1803
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 21, 2014
1. endeavor to make yourself acquainted...with...the nations Marker
In August 1804, members of the Expedition visited villages like this one, homes to the Otoe and Missouria who lived in what is today Omaha. Planning to invite these tribes to a council, or meeting, the explorers found the villages deserted. The tribes had left to hunt buffalo.
Through their journeys, the men of the Expedition held formal councils with the tribes they met. Jefferson instructed the explorers to make themselves "acquainted…with…the nations," to note the "articles of commerce [the Indians] may need or furnish," and to prepare descriptions of "food, clothing, & domestic accommodations."
The explorers met with tribes for reasons of trade, ethnography, and diplomacy. They also relied on American Indians for information, food, and clothing.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Government & Politics • Native Americans. 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 1804.
Location. 41° 15.922′ N, 95° 55.454′ W. Marker is in Omaha, Nebraska, in Douglas County
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Capt. Lewis…will…give us accounts of new things only (a few steps from this marker); Nature exerted herself to butify the Senery (a few steps from this marker); the Council was held (a few steps from this marker); Westwardly by the Waters (within shouting distance of this marker); A River of Hope (within shouting distance of this marker); People, Places, and Stories (within shouting distance of this marker); Preserving Our Heritage (within shouting distance of this marker); A River of Change (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Omaha.
Also see . . .
1. Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. (Submitted on March 2, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. The Otoe Missouria Tribe. (Submitted on March 2, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. The Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. (Submitted on March 2, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
4. Otoe Missourias. (Submitted on March 2, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 21, 2014
2. endeavor to make yourself acquainted...with...the nations Marker
Additional keywords. endeavor to make yourself acquainted…with…the nations
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 551 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 2, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
