The Story of Lewis & Clark in Kansas City
Lewis & Clark statue at Kaw Point Park. Courtesy - Taylor Sloan / Flickr
On May 14, 1804, under the directive of President Thomas Jefferson, Captain Meriwether Lewis and Lieutenant William Clark embarked on an ambitious journey with an initial crew of 51 men. Their mission was "to trace the Missouri to its source, to cross the Highlands, and follow the best water communication which offered itself from thence to the Pacific Ocean." This historic expedition, known as the Corps of Discovery, played a significant role in exploring and mapping the western portion of the United States.
Arrival at Kaw's Mouth
Kaw Point is located at the confluence of the Missouri & Kansas Rivers.
On June 26, 1804, the expedition arrived at a significant location known as “Kaw’s Mouth” or Kaw Point, where the Kansas River merges with the Missouri River. At that time, Kaw Point was situated about a quarter-mile upstream from its current location. The Corps of Discovery, which now included the dog Seaman, halted here for three days to rest and regroup.
During their stay, Captain Clark and his men conducted various activities. They sunned their gunpowder, hunted for food, repaired their pirogues (a type of canoe), dressed deer skins, and took mathematical measurements of the area. They also built a temporary fortification of logs and brush, known as a redoubt, which stood six feet high. This period of rest and preparation was crucial for the expedition's progress.
Observations and Encounters
The explorers made several notable observations during their stay at Kaw Point. Clark noted that the water of the Kansas River had a very disagreeable taste, unlike the heavier, muddier water of the Missouri River, which Lewis measured. Clark's map of the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers provided valuable insights into the geography of the region.
On the day they arrived, the explorers encountered a large number of “Parrot queets,” which were Carolina Parakeets. This colorful bird, now extinct, was first recorded by Lewis and Clark west of the Mississippi. Additionally, they saw their first buffalo, although they had to wait until August 23 before successfully hunting one.
Lewis & Clark found Carolina Parakeets during their stop. They were declared extinct in 1939.
While exploring upstream, Clark noted the remains of the “1st old Village of the Kanzas,” an early settlement of the Kanza (Kaw) people. However, the expedition did not meet any of the local inhabitants during their time in the area.
Discipline and Order
The expedition maintained strict discipline, essential for such a long and arduous journey. This was exemplified by an incident that occurred just after midnight on June 28-29. Private John Collins, who was on guard duty, succumbed to temptation and tapped into the community whiskey barrel. Soon, he was drunk, and when Private Hugh Hall came to relieve him, he joined in the drinking.
At dawn, the sergeant-of-the-guard arrested both men, and Clark convened a court-martial composed of the expedition members. Collins received a sentence of one hundred lashes on his bare back, while Hall was sentenced to fifty. Despite their punishment, both men continued to serve the expedition, rowing as they left Kaw Point that afternoon.
Legacy of the Expedition
Corps of Discovery Statue at Case Park near 8th and Jefferson. Courtesy Fox 4 KC
The Lewis & Clark expedition’s visit to what would eventually become Kansas City was a brief but significant chapter in their journey. Their observations, interactions, and the discipline they maintained provided valuable insights into the region’s geography, wildlife, and the challenges of early American exploration.
The Corps of Discovery's passage through this area marked an important step in the westward expansion of the United States, and their detailed records continue to offer a glimpse into the early 19th-century American frontier. The visit to Kaw Point is a testament to the expedition's enduring impact on the history and development of the region.