Lewis & Clark

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark are some of the most well-known explorers in U.S. history. Better known as Lewis & Clark, the duo advanced scientific and geographic understanding of the west, expanded the U.S. fur trade, fostered relationships with Native Americans, and strengthened the United States’ claim to the Pacific during their nearly 8,000 mile journey that started right here in St. Charles.

Lewis & Clark and St. Charles

Lewis & Clark made one last stop at a settlement just days before leaving for their adventure into the unknown of the Louisiana Purchase. This settlement was St. Charles, then known as Les Petites Cotes. The locals welcomed them with open arms and even threw them a party. Some of Lewis & Clark’s crew attended a Sunday church service at the St. Charles Borromeo Log Church. Visitors can find the Historic Borromeo Log Church replica near its original location behind Grandma’s Cookies on Historic Main Street. Additionally, some people from St. Charles joined Lewis & Clark’s crew to help on the expedition.

While in town, Lewis & Clark made final preparations and gathered any last minute supplies that they needed for their western expedition. This included purchasing all of the tobacco in St. Charles – likely to the locals’ dismay. In addition to tobacco, Lewis & Clark brought surveying instruments, camping supplies, weapons, medical supplies, and books about nature with them. They set out from St. Charles on May 14, 1804 and their expedition ended in the area on September 23, 1806.

Remembering Lewis & Clark in St. Charles Today

The Lewis & Clark Boathouse and Museum

Located off of South Riverside Drive next to the Missouri River, this museum features exhibits with highlights from their expedition, information on the Native Americans they encountered, Missouri River habitat displays, and more. Operational replicas of the keelboat and pirogues Lewis & Clark used on their exploration are located on the ground level. The gift shop is full of historical books, gifts, and memorabilia including over 150 books on the expedition and that time period.

Lewis & Clark Statue

This larger-than-life statue overlooks the Missouri River on the southern end of Frontier Park. Conceptualized in 1993 and dedicated in 2003, the statue features both Lewis & Clark and their dog, Seaman. In 2023, bronze busts of two locals who joined the Corps of Discovery expedition were added to the plaza around the statue.

Seaman the Dog Statues

Scattered around St. Charles, these painted statues are of Lewis & Clark’s Newfoundland dog, Seaman. These statues were first introduced to celebrate St. Charles’ sestercentennial in 2019 and some still remain in front of businesses.

Expedition Start Marker

Near the Daniel Boone Statue and Mad Hatter Antiques on Main Street St. Charles lies a granite marker that indicates the approximate location where Lewis & Clark’s expedition began. The back of the monument is engraved with the names of all the locals who went with them.