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National Geographic Guide to the Lewis & Clark Trail

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In 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark made the most important and widely known expedition in American history. Now their journey is recreated is recreated in the bicentennial edition of the best-selling National Geographic Guide to the Lewis & Clark Trail. Along with major television and film events, this book will feature prominently in National Geographic?s upcoming celebration of the expedition?s anniversary. This is the only full-color guide to Lewis and Clark?s America, and its lavishly illustrated photographs and maps are evocative of the landscapes, animals, and native people of an unspoiled America. Distinctive among guides, this book is organized practically for easy trip planning and details essential visitor information along with suggestions for excursions by foot, boat, and country road to help travelers capture the sense and spirit of the pioneers. Author Thomas Schmidt vividly describes Native American cultures and natural histories of the bioregions Lewis and Clark encountered, contrasting their past and present conditions. He puts the entire route into a compelling historical context, complete with biographical sketches of the legendary explorers, sidebars on everything from planning to weaponry, and treasured diary excerpts. No other guide so expertly brings to life the events, places, and people of Lewis and Clark?s extraordinary and unforgettable odyssey. In 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark made the most important and widely known expedition in American history. Now their journey is recreated is recreated in the bicentennial edition of the best-selling National Geographic Guide to the Lewis & Clark Trail. Along with major television and film events, this book will feature prominently in National Geographic?s upcoming celebration of the expedition?s anniversary. This is the only full-color guide to Lewis and Clark?s America, and its lavishly illustrated photographs and maps are evocative of the landscapes, animals, and native people of an unspoiled America. Distinctive among guides, this book is organized practically for easy trip planning and details essential visitor information along with suggestions for excursions by foot, boat, and country road to help travelers capture the sense and spirit of the pioneers. Author Thomas Schmidt vividly describes Native American cultures and natural histories of the bioregions Lewis and Clark encountered, contrasting their past and present conditions. He puts the entire route into a compelling historical context, complete with biographical sketches of the legendary explorers, sidebars on everything from planning to weaponry, and treasured diary excerpts. No other guide so expertly brings to life the events, places, and people of Lewis and Clark?s extraordinary and unforgettable odyssey.

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1998

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About the author

Thomas Schmidt

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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Profile Image for Anthony Whitt.
Author 4 books117 followers
March 5, 2018
This will be my guide for touring the Lewis and Clark Trail. It's full of useful information and ideas for exploring sites of interest along the way.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,028 reviews31 followers
October 27, 2020
National Geographic doesn’t hire just anyone to create its publications. Thomas Schmidt had already written a seminal book on the Lewis and Clark expedition. In National Geographic’s Guide to the Lewis and Clark Trail he synthesizes history, personal characterizations, a tale of adventure, examination of the morals of the time, and targeted travel guide. Bravo!

The idea is that a traveler can use the book to follow the Lewis and Clark expedition from St. Louis to Astoria and back along the explorers’ alternative routes—or any part thereof. The trail is divided into six sections: Lower Missouri, Great Plains, Upper Missouri, The Rockies, Columbia River, and Homeward Bound. Camps, excursions, encounters with Native Americans, and other spots of interest are noted, as well as best routes to follow.

For places now on private land or otherwise inaccessible, an alternative is offered to experience an environment similar to what Lewis and Clark discovered. Very few areas are urbanized beyond recreating history, and these are noted. Recommendations for hikes and canoe trips invite the traveler to get out of the car and explore the environment more intimately.

I’ve always been interested in the Lewis and Clark expedition, but learned so much more about it from this short book. It also inspired me to explore the area personally, something that I hadn’t considered before. An excellent resource, whether enjoyed at home or taken on the road.
Profile Image for Bonnie.
263 reviews
September 17, 2014
Read, read and read again.
Before, during and after travels on the trail.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews

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