Lewis & Clark’s Fort Clatsop: RDP

On a recent trip to the Oregon Coast, we made a short stop at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, near Astoria. We were there early in the morning time, before the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center and Bookstore opened.

We walked the short trail to see the replica of Fort Clatsop.

After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Thomas Jefferson commissioned an expedition to explore the new territory and lands farther west. At that time, little was known of the natural resources along the route. Jefferson hoped to find a water route across the U.S. and establish good relations with Indigenous residents.

In November of 1805, the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery arrived in a storm-wracked location north of the Columbia River in what is now Washington State. They voted on whether they should stay there, move upriver, or establish a camp south of the river, as the local tribes suggested. They overwhelmingly voted to move to the Fort Clatsop site, south of the river.

The group started construction on the original fort in December of 1805. Construction went slowly because of the stormy weather conditions.

This fort is actually quite small. It measures 50 square feet, with two parallel cabins. It housed 34 people, including Toussaint Charbonneau, his wife Sacagawea, their child, Jean Baptiste, and Clark’s slave, York. Lewis’ dog, Seaman, who traveled with them on the entire journey, was also present.

The group worked on their maps and journals and collected supplies needed for their return journey. They established a salt works on the seashore and kept an eye out for passing ships.

Lewis & Clark’s miserable winter

When I read The Journals of Lewis and Clark edited by Bernard Devoto, I recalled the miserable time they spent here. That winter was especially rainy and windy. In order to escape the weather, they moved into the fort on Christmas day, before a roof was completed. They traded with the local Clatsop and Chinook tribes over the long, cold winter.

In the 106 days the Corps stayed at the fort, there were only twelve days without rain. Many in the party suffered from illnesses over the winter months. Their journals contain many accounts of the harsh weather they experienced.

Everyone looked forward to the time when they could begin their homeward journey. Though Lewis had originally planned to leave in April, the Corps departed on March 23, 1806.

The original fort deteriorated and was rebuilt in 1955. Unfortunately, the rebuilt fort burned down in 2005 and they rebuilt it again in 2006.

Visitors can hear interpretive talks at this site, right next to the fort.

This map shows the routes of several trails near Fort Clatsop.

If you’re interested in hearing interpretive talks, check the park’s schedule of programs. If you have the time, there’s also a 20-60 minute self-guided audio tour available.

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