The tale of Lewis and Clark is one many Americans heard in school. Two mountain men who explore the west with a passion for adventure. While many of us romanticize the expedition, there’s a lot more to this story. The Corps of Discovery, composed of 33 people, heads west with military men, hunters, translators, a slave and a dog. This won’t be the tale you remember from high school.
 
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Podcast Resources:

* Mount Rainier NP – NPS Website
* The Journals of Lewis and Clark
* Discover more Podcasts with Park Rangers episodes!

Topics Covered

* About Ranger Jon Burpee
* About Lewis and Clark National Historic Park
* Who Are Lewis and Clark?
* The Corps of Discovery
* Not All of the Corps of Discovery Are Military
* York – An Enslaved Explorer
* Seaman – Lewis’ Dog
* The Rocky Mountains Present a Dilemma
* Sacagawea and an Amazing Coincidence
* Future Implications of Lewis and Clark’s Expedition
* Lewis and Clark’s Arrival at Fort Clatsop
* Relations with the Chinook and Clatsop Tribes
* Ranger Jon Burpee’s Love for Lewis and Clark NHP and the NPS
* Thanks to Our Listeners – Let’s Connect More!

About Ranger Jon Burpee
Ranger Jon Burpee pinpoints his fascination with history to two particular National Park visits as a child: Fort Vancouver in Washington state and Fort Clatsop at Lewis and Clark National Historic Park.
Those two particular adventures lead him to a 20-year career with the NPS. And, we coincidentally find him back at Fort Clatsop for today’s interview. He’s now superintendent of the park sharing with us the same history he found enchanting as a child.
About Lewis and Clark National Historic Park
Today, many people follow the expedition of Lewis and Clark by car — they start in St Louis and drive to Fort Clatsop in Oregon. Located on the Pacific along the Columbia River, the park marks the western end of Lewis and Clark’s journey.
Fort Clatsop is a few miles from the Ocean, but near all the resources necessary to spend 4-5 months over the winter. Wood, water and elk are prolific throughout the area and allowed for survival.
Who Are Lewis and Clark?
Lewis and Clark both embodied the young republic — they’re both landed gentry from Virginia families.
President Jefferson hired Lewis as his secretary. Both knew each other growing up, and they both bonded as bachelors in the White House. They discussed the importance of science and the exploration of America in order to combat British corporate interests.
Shortly after the Louisiana Purchase, President Jefferson entrusted Lewis to head west and explore the new territory. Jefferson hoped to find Wooly Mammoths out west. And, the expedition was an opportunity to prove America was just as good if not better than the rest of t...