While on the Corps of Discovery's expedition to the Pacific Ocean, coleader William Clark wrote six letters to his brother Jonathan at Trough Spring. In 1805 he sent over 30 expedition artifacts there for family and friends. Trough Spring was built under William Clark's supervision on a site selected by George R. Clark for their brother Jonathan when he moved to Kentucky in 1802. Jonathan was a Revolutionary War veteran and major general of the Virginia Militia. Trough Spring remained his home until his death in 1811. The house has had many owners and several names, and although its appearance has been altered, the original core of the house remains.
