Elk Point in Union County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Return to "Elk Sign" Campsite
Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, March 29, 2016
1. Return to "Elk Sign" Campsite Marker
The Corps of Discovery returned to this location after a two-year absence on September 3, 1806. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark found their "Elk sign" campsite occupied by James Aird, a Scottish fur trader. They pressed him eagerly for news from the United States. Aird informed the party that President Jefferson had been reelected in November 1804, and that former Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton had been killed in a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr.
The Corps of Discovery's last communique to President Jefferson was dispatched with the returning keelboat from the Ft. Mandan winter camp, in the spring of 1805. The expedition received no news from the United States for more than two years - and with but one dispatch received, Jefferson feared that the explorers had died en route or had been captured by Spanish military forces.
Picture Title
James Aird gave the Captains their first news while taking shelter from the thunderstorm.
End of a Journey
The morning of September 4, 1806 found the expedition heading downriver with fresh stocks of flour and tobacco. Within three hours the Corps arrived
this page online
Journal Entry
"our first enquirey was after the President of our country and the State of politicks…the State of Indian affairs…"
William Clark, September 3, 1806
Erected 2001 by Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson, and the Lewis & Clark Expedition series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is September 3, 1806.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 42° 40.997′ N, 96° 41.605′ 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,
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: A different marker also named Return to "Elk Sign" Campsite (here, next to this marker); U.S. Democracy Cross the Mississippi River (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 (a few steps from 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
Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, March 29, 2016
3. Lewis & Clark's Campsite Sign
Other markers no longer nearby. U.S. Democracy Crosses the Mississippi River (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); A Land of Plenty (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Entering an Uncertain Land (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
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.
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 734 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 17, 2017, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
