Lewis & Clark State Historic Site Videos
We strive to create fun and informative videos for educators and the public alike. From a virtual tour of the Interpretive Center to a breakdown of members of the Detachment, there is something of interest for everyone. Check out our YouTube Channel for even more!
Interpretive Center Tour
Follow Site Interpreter Ben as he shows you around our 14,000 square foot Interpretive Center. Check out the exhibits the galleries have to offer and learn part of the Camp River Dubois story.
Who was the
Washer Woman?
The Detachment hosted a Washer Woman while wintering at Camp River Dubois. She would have washed and mended clothes for the soldiers in return for pay and place to stay. While her arrival on January 1, 1804, was noted by Captain Clark, her name was never recorded. This video presents research from retired Lead Site Historian Michael A. Stout concerning the Washer Woman’s potential identity.
Building the Team
Parts I – VII
A spot on the Expedition Roster was not a guarantee for soldiers in camp. Captains William Clark and Meriwether Lewis observed the soldiers. They were searching for the best soldiers with the right skills and right personalities. The officers and enlisted men all knew that they would only have each other to rely on once they left Camp River Dubois. These videos talk about that selection process and highlights some of the skills and individuals that made the cut.
Departure Day
On May 14, 1804, the Lewis & Clark Expedition began their journey. Departing from Camp River Dubois, the men of the detachment must have felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Hear about it in their own words!
Item Spotlight
The Lewis & Clark Expedition carried around 30 – 35 ton of equipment when they departed from Camp River Dubois on their journey. From basic items like clothes and food to specialized map making tools, anything that might be useful on the journey had to be brought along. This series of videos shows off some of the items that made for a succesful journey.
Feeding the Expedition
How do you feed dozens of hard working soldiers after a long day of work? What foods can keep them happy and provide them enough energy for years of exploring? Our Feeding the Expedition videos try to answer these questions by exploring the food and preparation methods of the Expedition.
Winter Camp at the Confluence
Lewis & Clark made their 1803-1804 winter encampment at the confluence of the Missouri River, Wood Rive Creek, and Mississippi River. See how they decided to make camp there and learn about the surrounding area.
Celebrating 20 Years
Lewis & Clark State Historic Site opened to the public in late 2002. The amazing effort of the Lewis and Clark Society of America and Illinois employees to prepare and open the site is a phenomenal show of dedication to the Lewis & Clark story. These interviews look back on that time when the Interpretive Center was just opening in time for the Lewis & Clark Expedition Bicenntenial.