The Men of the Lewis and Clark Expedition: A Biographical Roster of the Fifty-one Members and a Composite Diary of Their Activities from All Known Sources

by Charles G. Clarke, Dayton Duncan (Introduction)

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark did not embark on their epic trek across the continent alone-dozens of men and eventually one woman accompanied them. The towering triumph of the Lewis and Clark expedition is due in no small part to the skill and fortitude of such men as Sgt. Charles Floyd, the only expedition member to die; Sgt. Patrick Gass, who lived until 1870, the last surviving member of the expedition; Sgt. Nathaniel Hale Pryor, husband to an Osage woman; and York, Clark's slave, who was freed after the expedition. The men who were instrumental to the success of the Lewis and Clark expedition come to life in this volume. Through the aid of a detailed biographical roster and a composite diary of the expedition that highlights the roles and actions of the expedition's members, Charles G. Clarke affords readers precious glimpses of those who have long stood in the shadows of Lewis and Clark. Disagreements and achievements, ailments and addictions, and colorful personalities and daily tasks are all vividly rendered in these pages. The result is an unforgettable portrait of the corps of diverse characters who undertook a remarkable journey across the western half of the continent almost two hundred years ago.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

351 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2002

Reviews

[Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn’t my favorite account of this historical event, but it was still good.

[Brady Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best I've ever read. A must read.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A biographical roster of the fifty-one members of the expeditions and a composite diary of their activities from all known sources. Written in 1970, Clarke clarifies each person's role and gives us a picturesque view of their day by day circumstances.