Lewis and Clark Campsite

On July 30, the Lewis and Clark expedition arrived at the bluff where Fort Atkinson would be built less than two decades later. Clark called Council Bluff a handsomely elevated place well suited for a fort to command the country and river, with low bottomland above high water and a site under the hill for houses to trade with Native people. Four days later, Oto Indians from a village along the Platte River came to the camp for a council, and Captain Clark prepared small presents for them and a package with a medal for the Grand Chief, then gathered them under an awning made from the main sail and delivered a long speech about the expedition, the works of the government, advice to them, and directions for how they were to conduct themselves.

Nebraska · United States