Fort Clapsot

While they were at Station Camp, the Captains decided they must establish the site for wintering over. The Indians had informed them that there were more elk on the south side of the river. They needed a supply of fresh water, protection from the winter storms and access to the ocean in case of arrival of supply vessels. The had a vote, and included Sacajawea, an Indian and a woman, and York, a black among in the voters. They extended suffrage to those groups many decades before the country did. The results of the vote were that they should cross the river and build a winter camp on that side.

These are two views of the north side of the river from the south side.

This view includes the sites of Station Camp to the left of the bridge, Dismal Nitch on the right side of the bridge. Once the decision was made, the corps went up river for a day and camped directly across the river and made crossing there.

After spending some time in the vicinity of present day Astoria, they made their way west along the south side of the river along here.

After crossing a wide bay they entered the mouth what is now known as the Lewis and Clark River seen past the bridge in the picture.

Here is a bridge across that river,

This is a view up that river.

And here is the canoe landing where they came to build their winter quarters.

And here, at long last, is FORT CLAPSOT. (with the ubiquitous teenager with a smart phone)

and more views showing some construction details.

The Fort was, of course built among the tall pines;

Members of our Corps were greatly pleased after reaching this long sought after goal.

During their stay at Fort Clapsot the Corps put a lot of work into procuring salt for the return trip. They had to travel about 18 miles to find a proper camp site close to the salt water, with a stream providing fresh water, and adequate fuel for the fires of their oven

Down the coast, near Seaside, OR the town has replicated the salt works.

Which Doc enjoyed immensely

After their long journey, our Corps enjoyed a much deserved time at the beach south of Seaside.

We are now at the end of our voyage, which has been completely accomplished according to the intention of the expedition, the object of which was to discover a passage by the way of the Missouri and Columbia Rivers to the Pacific Ocean, notwithstanding the difficulties, privations and dangers, which we had to encounter, endure and surmount.

Well that should have been in quotes, because it was written by Sergent Gass, but it sort of sums up our feelings too. We have chased sunsets for many days, but this is the last one, for we will be chasing sunrises from here on out.