Historic Lewis & Clark “Corps of Discovery” Display

Description

The Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-1806, officially known as the ACorps of Discovery Expedition@, was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson shortly after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. It=s primary goal was to explore the newly acquired territory and establish the most practical water communication across the continent for the purposes of commerce. It had many other important goals, such as scientific research, mapping, establishing peaceful trade with the native tribes, and declaring US sovereignty at a time when European nations were looking to claim territory on the continent. Without it=s accomplishments, the United States would not have become the great nation it is today. Central to the grouping is an early transitional forged spiked tomahawk from the collection of author and historian Robert Wheeler. These long handled spike tomahawks were first mentioned in the Lewis and Clark journals and used by the Mandan tribes on horseback. Next is a hand adze head excavated at the confluence of Potlach Creek and the Clearwater River, 15 miles east of present-day Lewiston, Idaho and a known Lewis & Clark campsite. It was discovered with a metal detector by Ralph Williams in 1953. Such pieces were used to fashion the dugout canoes used to navigate the rapid waters they were traversing (see accompanying photo). This adze, measuring 6 1/4″ by 4″, is pictured in Lar Hothem=s book ARare and Unusual Indian Artifacts@ on page 262. Also included is a cased early 3″ bronze re-strike of the famous Indian Peace Medal, made from the original dies and presented to author Robert Wheeler by the US mint and showing his name on the case. These medals were used as gifts to native tribes to establish good will and trade for much-needed supplies. Originals are extremely rare and often sell for over $100,000, when available. Also included is an early 19^th C pair of Shoshone moccasins in the Amorning star@ pattern, the type which would have been worn by the famous Shoshone ABird Woman@ Sacagewea. Sacagewea was pregnant and only 16 when she joined the expedition and carried the baby, APomp@, with her during the entire journey. She acted as guide and interpreter and without her assistance the expedition likely would not have succeeded These moccasins are in excellent museum grade condition and pictured in Lar Hothem=s book AOrnamental Indian Artifacts@ on page 349. Included in the display are small framed depictions of expedition leaders Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Display is in a professionally made hardwood case with removable clear Plexiglas dust cover, measuring 29” high, by 31” wide, by 3 ½” deep. Display can be easily mounted on a pair of screws securely fastened to studs in a wall.

Domestic US shipping is included in the price.