The Gateway to the West
St. Louis and The Gateway Arch, at night
The map above is the actual map drawn up by members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It was a long journey that officially began in what is present day St. Louis Missouri. This is why St. Louis is often referred to as the "Gateway to the West". The journey ventured across land that would eventually become 10 states, and took more than two years to complete.
Clark: May 14, 1804
Set out from Camp River a Dubois at 4 oClock P. M. and proceded up the Missouris under Sail to the first Island in the Missouri and Camped on the upper point opposit a Creek on the South Side below a ledge of limestone rock Called Colewater, [2] made 4½ miles, the Party Consisted of 2, Self one frenchman and 22 Men in the Boat of 20 ores, 1 Serjt. & 7 french in a large Perogue, a Corp and 6 Soldiers in a large Perogue. [3] a Cloudy rainey day. wind from the N E. men in high Spirits
Clark: May 14, 1804
Set out from Camp River a Dubois at 4 oClock P. M. and proceded up the Missouris under Sail to the first Island in the Missouri and Camped on the upper point opposit a Creek on the South Side below a ledge of limestone rock Called Colewater, [2] made 4½ miles, the Party Consisted of 2, Self one frenchman and 22 Men in the Boat of 20 ores, 1 Serjt. & 7 french in a large Perogue, a Corp and 6 Soldiers in a large Perogue. [3] a Cloudy rainey day. wind from the N E. men in high Spirits
Directions: Title a new section of your paper "Gateway". Then, use the resources below answer the following questions:
- 1. Why is St. Louis often referred to as the "Gateway to the West"?
- 2. Which modern day states did the expedition pass through on their journey? List as many as you can.
- Journal Entry: You are about to set off on foot, across 8,000 miles of unknown wilderness. Who knows how many years this journey will take. Try to wrap your head around that idea. Consider the goals you are trying to achieve and the risks you will face. Then, write a 1 paragraph journal entry (4-6 sentences) describing how you feel about the great journey ahead.
- Adv. and Pre-IB: Read the journal entry from William Clark on May 14, 1804 above. and answer the following:
- According to this entry, the expedition was made up of about how many people?
- How are the men feeling at the start here?