ASA SMITH MISSION and LEWIS AND CLARK LONG CAMP The combined Asa Smith Mission and Lewis and Clark Long Camp sites are interpreted by signs at a pullout on U.S. Highway 12, approximately 1 mile east of Kamiah, Idaho. The actual Asa Smith Mission and Lewis and Clark Long Camp sites are approximately 2 miles downstream along the Clearwater River on property occupied by a privately owned logging mill. In 1806, Lewis and Clark waited six weeks for deep snow to melt on the high ridges of the Lolo Trail to the east of here. Their route home blocked, they spent four of the six weeks (May 14 - June 10) at their long camp across the river. They hunted, fished and amused themselves showing the Nez Perce Indians "the power of magnetism, the spyglass, compass, watch, air gun and sundry other articles equally novel and incomprehensible to them." Finally, with three Nez Perce guides, they got away on their long journey back to the United States. A Massachusetts Congregationalist, Asa Smith spent two years here learning the Nez Perce language and starting a mission. Coming here May 10, 1839, to study with Lawyer, an important Nez Perce leader, he stayed to work on an Indian dictionary and to hold daily religious classes each spring and winter. After spending six months in a "mere hovel," he finished a comfortable home and started a garden of several acres. However, he never got used to pioneer life. Leaving Kamiah April 19, 1841, he moved to a mission in Hawaii. The Nez Perces are indeed an interesting people. During the einter there has been an interesting state of feeding among them at the Spaulding station & some few we hope are truly the children of God. One of the chiefs named Joseph I think gives very satisfactory evidence of piety. The Nez Perces have of late manifested a great anxiety to hear the gospel. Last month I visited Mr. Spaulding, was much pleased with the appearance of the people then. Asa Smith, March 11, 1839

	State: Idaho Unit: Upper Clearwater/ White Bird