Lewis & Clark Today

What's Been Happening with Lewis and Clark?

In January 2001, two members of the Lewis and Clark story got special attention from the President. On January 17, President Clinton held a special ceremony at the White House honoring William Clark, Sacajawea, and York. Sacajawea and York were given the title of Honorary Army Sergeant for their great service to Lewis and Clark during the journey.

Rose Anne Abrahamson, a descendant of Sacajawea's brother, Cameahwait, was present to accept the award for Sacajawea. She is a member of Idaho's Lemhi Shoshoni tribe. Rose Anne was dressed in traditional Indian clothing--buckskin, decorative beads, and feathers at the White House ceremony.

William Clark was promoted from Army Lieutenant to Captain, which is the rank held by his partner, Meriwether Lewis. Clark was considered to be a Captain during the journey, but the Army had never officially promoted him. The Army was almost 200 years late with the promotion. However, two of his great-great-great grandsons were on hand to accept the honor on behalf of their famous ancestor.

In other news, President Clinton made Pompey's Pillar a national monument. You may recall that Baptiste (Sacajawea's son) was nicknamed Pompey (or Pompy), and William Clark named the 150-foot pillar for him. This sandstone pillar is located east of Billings, Montana. In 1805, Clark carved his name in the sandstone, and today this is the only surviving archeological evidence of Lewis and Clark's journey.

In 2000, the United States government adopted a new $1.00 coin that carries a picture of Sacajawea and her infant son Baptiste. A picture of this coin appears on the Sacajawea page.

During 2005 and 2006, Americans will celebrate the bicentennial (200th) anniversary of their journey--one of the greatest explorations in the history of our country. People from all over the United States are getting excited about the Lewis and Clark story. Many are planning to celebrate the bicentennial the by following the route of Lewis and Clark. Internet web sites about the journey are springing up around the country. Newspapers, magazines, and TV are carrying articles and pictures, telling various parts of the story.

It will be a fun time for Lewis and Clark fans for the next several years. Keep you eyes open. Read the newspaper. Watch for television specials. Yes, it's really exciting!

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