One of the most complicated parts of the Lewis and Clark Expedition was the language barrier. Speaking with the Native peoples Lewis and Clark met required many translators. From their English to Shoshone or Salish, the chain of communication stretched across 5 languages and 6 people.
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Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Article 1: French Opinion of the American Economy in Early 19th Century
As the American economy blossomed in the early 19th century, many of the French developed an opinion about our new policies. Read here about how they reacted to US support of free trade, something that Meriwether Lewis also advocated for between American traders and Tribal Nations. Read more
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Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Article 2: Joseph Gravelines and the Lewis and Clark Expedition
While serving as an interpreter for the Corps of Discovery, Joseph Gravelines also understood the value of recording the topography as the Arikara chief Too Né saw it. He also showed his mettle when forced to inform the Arikaras their chief had died. Read more
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Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Article 3: The Chain of Communication
One of the most complicated parts of the Lewis and Clark Expedition was the language barrier. Speaking with the Native peoples Lewis and Clark met required many translators. From their English to Shoshone or Salish, the chain of communication stretched across 5 languages and 6 people. Read more
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Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Article 4: French Opinion of American Society in Early 19th Century
Check out this article about how the French viewed Americans in the time of Lewis and Clark! To our European ally, the boisterous attitudes and lack of table manners made America a fascinating place to visit. Some of those opinions, good and bad, are still in place today. Read more
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Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Article 5: Ste. Genevieve and the Lewis and Clark Expedition
The inspiration for the name of the town Ste. Genevieve likely resulted from an effective cult that had developed around Sainte Genevieve. Lewis and Clark met several residents from the town during their expedition. Read more