LCstcharles

With the exception of the nation's bicentennial celebration in 1976, there has perhaps been no other historical anniversary that received as much attention and publicity as the bicentennial of Lewis and Clark's famous expedition into the unknown American West. The voyage was as much a symbol of the American spirit as it was a journey of exploration. As the Corps of Discovery made its way westward along the Missouri River in search of an all-water route to the Pacific Ocean, they mapped the river, meticulously recorded encounters with animals and wildlife, overcame obstacles of all sorts and made allies and enemies of numerous tribes of Native Americans.

The Lewis and Clark celebration was nothing unique to Missouri, but Missouri did receive the lion's share of attention, as it was from St. Charles that the group officially got underway, and it was in St. Louis that they parted company two years later. Two years prior to the 2004 celebration, Show-Me Missouri travel specialist Kristen Lokemoen began an 11-part series detailing the Corps of Discovery's fantastic two-year voyage to and from the Pacific shores of the newly-expanded nation.

Missouri artist Gary Lucy, whose works focus on the historical roles of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, chronicled key aspects of the journey on canvas. Many of his works, such as the one above, were used to illustrate the articles that appeared in Show-Me Missouri. More of Lucy's works can be seen at www.garylucy.com.

In addition, Lucy also wrote an informative essay about the research that went into his interpretation of the flag flown by the Corps of Discovery. That essay can be found here.