The Lewis and Clark Trail through Nebraska

It was in Omaha, Nebraska that Lewis and Clark encountered their first Indians.

It was in Omaha that they encountered their first Native American and arranged to a meeting with his people which would take place in what is now Council Bluffs Iowa. These Indians were friendly toward the expedition group and spent some time with them talking of the land and the different nations of Indians they would encounter. They also warned of the more hostile tribes the group would encounter along the way and mentioned specifically the Teton Sioux. The first meeting with a Native American went very well and there is now a plaque in what is now NP Dodge Park which commemorates the site of the first meeting between the expedition and Indians. An excerpt from the Clark journals reads:

"Drewyer brought in a Missourie Indian which he met with hunting in the Prairie. His party was small consisting of 20 lodges. This Indian is one of the fiew remaining of that nation, & lives with the Otteauz, his camp about 4 miles from the river, he informs that the ' great gangue' of the natino were hunting the Buffalow in the Plains. his party was Small consisting only of about 20 Lodges, miles furthr a nother Camp where there was a french man, who lived in the nation, This Indian appeared spritely, and appeared to make use of the Same pronouncation of the Osarge, Calling a Chief Inca*." Clark

From there, the expedition and the Otoe and Missouri tribes met for their first council. In fact, Clark named this place "Council Bluffs" which is now the name of a city across the river in Iowa. The place they met later became Fort Atkinson. The meeting took place on August 3, 1804. The expedition put on a grand show for the Indians which included having soldiers march in full regalia and showing off their talents with the weaponry. This was to begin a tradition whenever Lewis and Clark met with Indians for Council. Lewis and Clark told the Indians that they were children of a "Great New Father" who would provide them with trade and protection. This, at the time, was the intent of the expedition and the intent of President Thomas Jefferson. They also urged peace among the different Indian Nations. At the conclusion of the council, the Indians were given a Presidential Friendship Medallion and some face paint.

On August 18, Little Thief and the main Missouri chief, Big Horse, met with the Corps. Lewis gave his speech and Little Thief agreed their should be peace and asked the Corps to arrange peace talks with the Omaha Tribe. This is the artwork that commemorates the event:at Fort Atkinson today. It may look like an airplane, but it's not. It is a feather and a peace-pipe.

Lewis and Clark visited the grave of The Great Omaha Indian Chief Blackbird (which is located near Decatur NE on the Omaha Reservation (There are no guests allowed at the site itself but there is a scenic lookout post about 3 miles north of Decatur from which you can see the hill where Blackbird is buries) Clark wrote about the visit and said:
Captain Clark - "after the rain was over, Capt. Lewis myself & 10 men asssended the Hill where the Mahars King Black Bird was burried 4 years ago. a mound of earth about 12 feet Diameter at the base, & 6 feet high is raised over him turfed, and a pole 8 feet high in the center on this pole we fixed a white flag bound with red blue & white".

The Sgt. Charles Floyd Monument was built in tribute to a valuable member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He died on Aug 20, 1804. The obelisk is located in Sioux City, Iowa. To visit the site Exit off of I - 29 to US Highway 75 turn north for approx. 2 miles to park entrance on the west OR use Exit #148 off I -29 onto Nebraska Street and turn immediately east onto Gordon Drive (Iowa Hwy 12). At the east end of Gordon Drive viaduct, exit south onto US Highway 75, follow to the monument.

Ponca, Nebraska which is in the Northeast corner of the state would have been the last stop before heading into South Dakota. There is currently a State Park there. There are Lewis and Clark Trail signs which direct visitors through Nebraska and Iowa to the various points of interest.

**Picture credits. Lewis and Clark Trail Map Lewisandclarktrail.com

Lewis & Clark Festival

When: June 12-14
Where: Onawa, Iowa
What: Keelboat and dugout canoe displays, muzzleloader shoot, music, re-enactments and encampments.
Information: www.keelboat.com and 712-423-1801

In this picture you will see the genuine Presidential Peace Medal that was given by Lewis and Clark to the Indians with whom he visited. Holding and wearing that medal is my late friend, Paha Ska. He was not an actual recipient of the medal by Lewis and Clark but received it because he was a very respected elder of the Lakota Sioux on Pine Ridge Reservation. He used to travel and give talks on Native American heritage, culture, art and society.

His wife, Susan, gives absolutely incredible tours of the Black Hills of South Dakota:
Paha Ska Black Hills Tours