Lewis and Clark Leaving Fort Clatsop

On March 22, 1806, Coboway, chief of the Clatsop people, made his final visit to Fort Clatsop, knowing the men of the Corps were making their final preparations for departure. Lewis, in a gesture of gratitude, presented the chief with the fort and its contents.

Lewis wrote of their friend, “He has been much more kind an hospitable to us than any other Indian in this neighbourhood.”

The next day, Sunday, March 23, the men loaded the few remaining belongings into their canoes (and one canoe that actually belonged to the Clatsops), and at about 1 p.m. began their long journey home.