Elk Point in Union County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
U.S. Democracy Crosses the Mississippi River
Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, March 29, 2016
1. U.S. Democracy Crosses the Mississippi River Marker
While camped at the "Elk Sign" campsite on August 22, 1804, Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark acted to replace Sergeant Charles Floyd, who had taken ill and died two days earlier. They called for the Corps of Discovery to vote on Floyd's replacement.
The election of Private Patrick Gass - the first recorded election in the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase - was a distinct break from military custom. With victory in the War of Independence barely 20 years old, democratic zeal was strong among the expedition's cadre of independent backwoodsmen and its leaders.
Picture Title
Patrick Gass and the Corp of Discovery land at the "Elk Sign" campsite, August 22, 1804.
Inset Paragraphs
Patrick Gass
Sgt. Patrick Gass (1771-1870)
Patrick Gass volunteered for the Corps of Discovery, over the objections of his superiors, while stationed at Fort Kaskaskia, Illinois Territory. At age 33, he was among the expedition's oldest and most veteran members. Meriwether Lewis considered him a man of "capacity, diligence, and integrity." He was also considered a good soldier and a first-rate carpenter - a rare combination
this page online
Patrick Gass kept a journal during the entire journey - a remarkable achievement given that his education was limited to nineteen days in school. He settled in Wellsburg, Virginia (now West Virginia) and lived to age 99 as the last surviving member of the Corps of Discovery.
Journal Entry
"…ordered a Vote for Serjeant to chuse one of three which will be highest number… The highest numbers are P. Gass had 19 votes, Bratton & Gibson"
William Clark, August 22, 1804
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 22, 1804.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 42° 40.997′ N, 96° 41.607′ W. Marker was in Elk Point, South Dakota, in Union County. It could be reached from South Harrison Street ¼ mile south of West Jefferson Street. This marker is located with others to recognize the Lewis and Clark expedition camped here in this park. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Elk Point SD 57025, United States
Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, May 14, 2016
2. Lewis & Clark's Historical Markers
Regionally, this marker was in East River. It was also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Northern Plains. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: U.S. Democracy Cross the Mississippi River (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Return to "Elk Sign" Campsite (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named A Land of Plenty (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Entering an Uncertain Land (here, next to this marker); Patrick Gass (here, next to this marker); The Lewis and Clark Expedition (here, next to this marker); Flags of Elk Point (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis & Clark Campsite / Eli Wixson Farm Site (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elk Point.
Other
Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, March 29, 2016
3. Lewis & Clark's Campsite Sign
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, March 29, 2016
4. Patrick Gass Bust
1771 -1870
As a citizen of Virginia and chief carpenter for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Sergeant Gass published the first account ot the Expedition in 1807.
He is buried in Wellsburg, West Virginia.
The bust was sculpted by Agnes Vincent Talbot of Boise, Idaho.y Agnes Vincent Talbot of Boise, Idaho. August 15 2003
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2017, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 555 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 17, 2017, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
