Lewis and Clark - Corps of Re-Discovery specializes in crafts and literature for Lewis and Clark, American Indian, Frontiersmen and Pioneer American studies for the home schooling family.

American Frontiersmen

THE CORPS OF DISCOVERY

Wow! It has been over 200 years since President Thomas Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the newly acquired land known as the Louisiana Purchase. Because this is such an monumental anniversary, we have decided to dedicate an entire page to the journey as well as include links specifically for their expedition.

Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery were commissioned in 1803 to find a water route to the Pacific Ocean to facilitate trade with China. Although they did not discover the water route they had hoped for, their expedition and the information they sent back to President Thomas Jefferson helped forge the “Far West” territory and open it up for future settlements.

For the 200 year anniversary of the Corps of Discovery expedition, the cities along the trail have geared up for those wishing to retrace the trail. Be sure to check out our selection of books and maps to help you with the study of this historic trail as well as many other aspects of the frontiersmen.

Useful Web Sites and Other Resources For Your Further Study
(please let us know if any of these links no longer work)
As with most Internet sites, parental supervision is suggested.

Lewis and Clark Bicentenial Signature Events
The Lewis and Clark Bicentennial has 15 "signature events" calling attention to the Corps' achievements, spread over three years and 13 states. Each of these events would be an excellent field trip opportunity!

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
From here, view many of the resources the National Parks Services has Provided on the 200 year anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (The Arch), St. Louis, Missouri
This is much more than the arch. There’s a great national museum beneath the structure that houses articles used by the Corps of Discovery, as well as many of the artifacts sent back to President Jefferson from the Mandan village located in North Dakota.

Lewis and Clark and the Journey of Discovery Presented by the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, a National Parks Resource, this page includes excellent teacher resources and lesson plans for grades K-7 on The Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Louisiana Purchase.

National Frontier Trails Center, Independence, MO
This center has museum exhibits that examine the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the fur trade era, as well as other western historic trails.

Western Historic Trails Center, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Located on the Missouri River near Interstate 80, the center introduces visitors to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and three western emigrant trails.

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, Located near Williston, ND
Lewis and Clark located the confluence in April 1805. Recognizing its strategic importance, they recommended a trading post be build at the site. Fort Union was built by the American Fur Company near the confluence in 1828. Today, Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is open to the public. An exhibit interprets Lewis and Clark’s visit to the area.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Great Falls, Montana
This Interpretive Center is operated by the US Forest Service with excellent interpretation of the Lewis and Clark Trail. Displays interpret the protage around the Great Falls and other aspects of the Expedition. Emphasis on the Expedition’s relationships with the Indian Tribes of the Northern Plains.

Missouri Headwaters State Park
Located where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers join to form the Missouri, the park has excellent Lewis and Clark interpretation.

Fort Canby State Park Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Major interpretive center devoted to a comprehensive overview of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Located on the site where the Expedition achieved its principle goal – the Pacific Ocean.

Fort Clatsop National Memorial, Astoria, Oregon
Replica of the Expedition’s 1805-06 winter quarters. Visitor Center with exhibits, living history in summer, and other interpretive services.

Traveling Trunk Program Phone: 314-655-1635
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and the National Park Service offers traveling trunks for $35.00 per trunk. Currently the following trunks are offered: Lewis and Clark Expedition, Frontier Classroom, Mountain Men, Gold Miners, Overlanders, Plains Indians, Cowboys, City of Immigrants, Heritage of the Southwest: A Blending of Cultures, and African Americans of the West. The traveling trunks serve as mini-museums, bringing a little bit of history to your classroom, scout troop or other organization (including homeschoolers). Each trunk contains a variety of “hands-on” objects: clothing, photographs, books, audio and video tapes, activity sheets, and a teacher handbook. Trunks are aligned with Missouri, Illinois, and national learning standards. They are appropriate for all ages. The Traveling Trunk program is very popular, so please plan accordingly. Trunks are highly utilized during the school year and can be shipped anywhere in the US. To reserve a trunk, or for more information, call 314-655-1635.

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Springfield, Missouri Phone: 417-833-6905