Discovering and Celebrating Idaho's History

DISCOVERING AND CELEBRATING IDAHO'S HISTORY

Guest opinion submitted by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo

In September of 1805, co-captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led a ragged group of soldiers through North Idaho's remote and snow covered Lolo Pass. On the verge of starvation, the company's stay in Idaho was short and perilous. However, Idaho was forever altered by their journey. As we begin to commemorate the expedition that Meriwether Lewis and William Clark undertook nearly 200 years ago, we do so with great joy and anticipation.

A dizzying-array of activities and events that will commemorate Lewis and Clark's journey are planned and taking place throughout the United States. All of these events received a fitting kick-off as thousands of people braved the cold at Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia on January 18 of this year to commemorate Thomas Jefferson's requesting $2,500 from Congress for the first official exploration of unknown spaces undertaken by the United States Government. Historians mark this event, which occurred on January 18, 1803, as the first substantive step in Lewis and Clark's march to Idaho and into the history of the United States.

Lewis, Clark and the Corps of Discovery set out from St. Louis in 1804 on an adventure that is unmatched in history. By the time they reached Idaho, in August 1805, they had suffered through incredible hardships. They found no reprieve in the Bitterroots and in fact faced the most dangerous portion of their entire journey. The trail was cold, heavily wooded and treacherous. Running dangerously low on food, the Corps of Discovery had been depending on wild game for sustenance in the weeks leading up to their passage over the Lolo Pass. After they crossed the pass, the trail was too rugged and steep for game, forcing the company of men to slaughter and eat their own packhorses. The Nez Perce came to the rescue and saved the company on the trail. When they reached the Nez Perce Villages near present-day Weippe, the men knew that they had danced with death in crossing the Bitterroots.

The miracle passage through Idaho was one of many events that gave the United States volumes of invaluable geographical and biological knowledge that helped to settle the West, especially North Idaho. The cultural knowledge that Lewis and Clark collected demystified the lands and people of the Louisiana Purchase and helped Americans move west with courage and confidence.

Idaho was greatly affected by that historic expedition 200 years ago. Lewis and Clark's expedition opened Idaho to the outside world and increased the presence of United States citizens in the Northwest. Had it not been for the inroads made by Lewis and Clark into the Northwest for American emigration, the Northwest could have easily become British or Russian territory.

The success of the Corps of Discovery was largely due to generous help of native people in the areas it passed through. The Lemhi Shoshones, whose Chief, Sacajawea's brother, Cameahwait, provided the horses and other supplies the company needed to continue their journey. Nez Perce people saved the company in the mountains and guided them to the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. These same people also provided assistance to the Corps of Discovery on the return trip to St. Louis the next year.

The bicentennial is a time to celebrate the history of the people who lived in Idaho before Lewis and Clark made their way over the mountains to the Snake River. It is also a time to celebrate and learn about the history of the Western United States. I applaud the efforts of Idahoans who work to make the bicentennial an educational and fun experience for all who participate.

Many Idahoans are working to provide educational and entertaining events that will commemorate Lewis and Clark's journey. I encourage you to take time to participate in these events with your family. As you do, you will gain a new appreciation for the history of our great state. Take the time in the next couple of years to participate in the events, exhibits, and activities that will be commemorate Idaho's part in Lewis and Clark's journey and the history of the West.