Lewis & Clark Expedition 1803-1806 - Old Shawneetown, Illinois
Posted by: BruceS
N 37° 41.764 W 088° 08.110
16S E 399923 N 4172700
Marker commemorating Lewis and Clark stopping in Illinois on their way west in Old Shawneetown, Illinois.
Waymark Code: WM6FBM
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 05/25/2009
Views: 2
Lewis & Clark Expedition
1803 - 1806
Lewis and Clark made their first entry into the "Illinois Country" as it was known in 1803, near this location. The primary purpose for the stop was to procure a supply of salt for their journey. Here they would have encountered the "squatters" which represented future builders of the society. This area woudl shortly become the gateway for the settlement in the future State os Illinois.
Local Lore
Local settlers had heard of President Jefferson's plans for western expansion and were not excited. By the time that Lewis and Clark visited, they had become supporters.
Early settlers to this area, prior to and shortly after the arrival of Lewis and Clark, were: Michael Sprinkle, Issac White, John Marshall, Pierre La Boissiere, and John Caldwell.