Lewis & Clark for Dummies - by Sammye J Meadows & Jana Prewitt (Paperback)

About the Book

Commemmorate the 200th anniversary of the Corps of Discovery, this informative book also features nformation about revisiting the Lewis and Clark trail and participate in three years of bicentennial activities.

Book Synopsis

The Lewis and Clark expedition was the greatest camping trip in history. It was one of those irresistible American adventures that many people dream of living. This book shares the delightful details of the journey that historians have gleaned from the group's journals and maps, and also discusses what's known of the Indian perspective of the expedition.

Throughout the book, you find out about Jefferson's western exploration from his earliest efforts to see the Corps assembled through the aftermath for the explorers, the tribes, and the United States. But the focus of Lewis & Clark For Dummies is on the period between Jefferson's confidential letter to Congress requesting dollars to mount a western exploration (January 18,1803) and the expedition's triumphant (and improbable) return to St. Louis (September 23, 1806): forty-two months that changed the world.

Join Lewis and Clark as they recruit the Corps of Discovery, meet Sacagawea and various Indian tribes, and set off along the Missouri River on a thrilling, perilous journey. Lewis & Clark For Dummies also covers the following topics and more:

• The expedition's people and places
• Jefferson's fascination with the West
• Final preparations of Meriwether Lewis
• Weathering storms to launch the expedition
• The discomforts and dangers of the journey
• Making maps and writing reports
• A first look at the Pacific Ocean

The story of Lewis and Clark doesn't end with their return to St. Louis. This book will also lead you on an exploration of the fates and lessons of the Corps of Discovery. Find out what happened to Lewis, Clark, and many other key players after their famous journey. And examine the aftermath for the American Indians and the political and cultural ramifications for the United States. You'll even find the resources you need to plan your own recreation of the expedition as you take the Trail yourself!

From the Back Cover

"A great book that honors American Indian tribes and the historic trail." Gerard Baker, Superintendent of the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail and member, Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold

Features maps, travel tips, and archival drawings

Retrace the steps of Lewis and Clark's historic expedition

Want to know more about this famous adventure? Join Lewis and Clark as they recruit the Corps of Discovery, meet Sacagawea and various Indian tribes, and set off along the Missouri River on a thrilling, perilous journey. You'll discover who all the players were, why the expedition happened, and the political and cultural ramifications.

"These knowledgeable authors have created a thorough, accurate, and lively introduction to history's great "road buddies" story -- from the grand plan to the diverse cast of characters. Plus, they offer a fresh look at the cooperative Native Americans who helped the expedition."
-- James Alexander Thom, author of From Sea to Shining Sea and Sign Talker: The Adventures of George Drouillard on the Lewis and Clark Expedition

About the Author

Sammye J. Meadows is the coordinator for the Circle of Tribal Advisors for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial.

Jana Sawyer Prewitt is a former director of external affairs for the U.S. Department of the Interior.