About the Lewis & Clark Society of America

The Lewis & Clark Society of America, Inc., a not for profit organization, was formed in 1957 to educate the public about the immense importance of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, with particular emphasis on commemoration of Camp River Dubois.

The society’s early membership of history minded, local citizens focused much of their efforts on marking a spot to commemorate Camp River Dubois in the Illinois Country. The history of Lewis & Clark Expedition’s time preparing at Camp River Dubois needed to be remembered and preserved for future generations.

In 1981, the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency funded a monument dedicated to the Point of Departure, overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The Monument consists of eleven columns, each bearing a plaque describing the story of the Expedition in the eleven states along the trail from Camp River Dubois to the Pacific Ocean.

In 1997, federal and state funds were approved to construct a museum equal to those of the Corps’ winter encampments at Ft. Mandan and Ft. Clatsop. Museum exhibits emphasize Lewis & Clark in Illinois, a much neglected piece of the rich history of America between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.

The Society remains committed to sharing the rich history by providing volunteer hosts, guides, and interpreters that assist the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in operations of Lewis & Clark State Historic Site. Fund raising by the Society goes towards interpretive programming and educational materials necessary to engage the next generation with local and national history.

The Society operates the Store of Discovery museum store and continues to publish regular newsletters for members.