Votes During the Lewis and Clark Expedition

Station Camp, the location of the November 1805 vote. 

NPS/K. Schlawin

There were two notable “votes” taken during the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The first took place on August 22, 1804, about 30 miles upstream from the burial site of Charles Floyd. Here, outside today’s Elk Point, South Dakota, the Captains decided to appoint a replacement for the deceased sergeant. What would become the first official election by Americans held west of the Mississippi River, all those in the U.S. Army cast their votes.

William Clark recorded the outcome in his journal entry for the day: “ordered a vote for a Serjeant to chuse one of three which may be the highest number the highest numbers are P. Gass had 19 Votes, Bratton, & Gibson”.

Probably more notable was the vote, or “opinion poll,” taken on November 24, 1805, when the Captains chose to seek everyone’s input on where to camp for the upcoming winter. It appears that two questions were asked. First, should the Corps cross the Columbia and investigate potential sites along the south shore? (Everyone agreed on crossing the river, except Joseph Field.) And second, if they found that the south shore was not suitable, should the party then: travel back up the Columbia to Celilo Falls, go to the Sandy River, or explore other sites up river? (Clark’s notes in his field journal are confusing. His tallies and his summary of the vote don’t match, but the outcome remained the same.) His summary showed that 10 people were in favor of going to Sandy River, 6 to the falls, and 12 wanted to go “up” and “lookout.")

What about Sacagawea? Did she vote? A postscript by Clark records that “Janey,” or Sacagawea, favored a place near “plenty of Potas,” or wapato. In nearly all the Native cultures, women were responsible for gathering roots, and when other sources of food failed, dried roots provided sustenance for the people. It is not surprising that food was Sacagawea’s priority. She was not listed with the rest of the party in this vote, nor recorded in the final tally. However, Clark’s note shows us that her opinion was heard and acknowledged.

While some scholars state this wasn’t truly an “election,” it is notable(significant) that a Black person and a woman (who also was a Native American) were allowed to officially voice their opinion.

Image: Station Camp, the location of the November 1805 vote.

NPS/K. Schlawin

Image Description: A color photograph of a flat, grass-covered area upon which two large Native canoes are on display; both have been carved from large logs. The canoe on the left can be seen in entirety – it has a large protruding bow and a black hull. On the right, the other boat is partially visible, also with a black hull. In the background is a wooden viewing platform surrounded by a dense grove of trees; a group of tourists are gathered on the platform.