Lewis & Clark Trail

self ^ | July 24, 2020 | self

[bboop]

We are Trail Nuts. We head next week to follow some of the Lewis & Clark/ Pony Express/ Oregon Trails. We'll spend most of our time in Wyoming, the Dakotas, Nebraska, and Kansas, returning to LA via Colorado.

Any historic sites that are imperative to see? Any 'don't bothers'? We'll also be taking day hikes.

Any warnings re masks in these parts? Needing a taste of freedom after too much time in Commie California. Thanks

[RealVirginia]

You’re taking one of my dream vacations. Have a great trip.

[jeffersondem]

“Any historic sites that are imperative to see?”

All of them. They may be gone next month.

[AlmaKing]

On highway 28 just to the west of Lander, WY, there is South Pass City and also the junction of the Pony Express, Mormon, California, and Oregon trails. There is a pull-out with a sign explaining the site and a small marble monument on the other side of the barbed-wire fence. I went through the fence to see the monument (more like a post) and take pics. On each side of the post, there is a trail name -> 4 sides = 4 trail names.

This is also the junction where wagon trains split up to go to either California or Oregon. Those who had been travelling together for a long time would split here, probably never to see each other again.

[Paladin2]

Get a copy of the L&C diary and use that to set the pace and find locales.

[silverleaf]

Have you watched any of the videos on History channel or PBS?
Someone should make a movie
https://www.pbs.org/video/first-american-expedition-onrro9/

[yarddog]

I have seen a historical marker near Marianna, Florida pointing out where Andrew Jackson’s army passed on their way to Pensacola.

I remember my Father once pointing out a location North of Panama City that he called “Court Marshall Ranch” where Jackson court marshaled someone and the had them shot. This was on the same trek. Daddy told me this around 1952.

I don’t think anyone knows exactly, Jackson’s trail. I wish someone would research and mark it.

[bray]

Enjoy the old Columbia Hwy from around 1920. It is fun.

[AlmaKing]

Also near that area, there is Signature Rock near the junction of 189 and 240.

It is signed:

JAMES BRIDGER 1844 TRAPPER

[Robert DeLong]

Lewis was a member of my family tree, and my sister married a man who Clark was a member of his family tree. 8>)

[waterhill]

Yeah, I’m a little jealous.... ;^)

Have a blast.

[BipolarBob]

I enjoyed the Oregon Trail ruts (left by wagon train) near Guernsey Wyoming. Of course Yellowstone NP is always a pleasure for me. I’m fond of Estes Park in Colorado which has many trails and day hikes.

[waterhill]

Yep, my dad and I were returning from a visit with my sister in Jackson and he asked me to stop there. I didn’t want to. I caved and we did. He was not impressed, but I was. It is a neat area.

[bboop]

Thanks - YES, the Guernsey Rutts are amazing. Yellowstone definitely/ I travel with a geologist (!) so rocks are must-see. Have not been to Estes Park yet. Thanks.

[bboop]

Thanks - South Pass is amazing. I don’t recall seeing that detail/ going through the fence. We’ll be driving through there definitely. thanks

[bboop]

Oh that’s terrific. Will watch before we go.

[bboop]

Whaaat? Oh cool.

[BipolarBob]

Have you traveled Yellowstone before?

[luckystarmom]

We just drove last week from California to Arkansas via Idaho, Wyoming,South Dakota, then down to Arkansas.

Every place is different with regards to masks. Depends on the state and the city.

Lots of rest stops were closed (I think mainly Wyoming, but other places too.)

Take food with you, at least sandwiches, drinks, and snacks.

Lots of beautiful areas. Feels good to be out of California. People are more relaxed out of there.

[bboop]

I’m printing this entire thread off - thanks so much. I knew the FReepers would know. I have Ambrose’s L/C but it’s teeny/ on my phone. I bet the real diaries are amazing. With dates when they were there. I love our history.

We were in the UK once, in the Lake District. At breakfast. Our son ordered ‘eggs over easy’ and the Brits at the next table asked what that was. We started talking. The woman said, “Oh, California! Your history is ‘wagon ruts.’” She was so snotty. We still laugh about her. “Yeh, you guys chopped people in quarters bc they were Catholic.” haha. The retorts make themselves.