Lewis And Clark Back Country Byway

Description of Back Country Byway:

The Lewis and Clark Back Country Byway starts at Tendoy, 20 miles south of Salmon on Highway 28. After leaving Highway 28 at Tendoy, travel east a short distance to an T intersection. The signs will indicate to turn to the left. Follow the signs. You will eventually be directed to the Lewis and Clark Information Kiosk. From the Kiosk, the road continues east into the hills, The gravel road ascends to the ridge and then turns south to Lemhi Pass. Nearby is the Sacajawea Memorial Camp, a nice area to stop and rest. The remainder of the byway turns west from Lemhi pass returning to the point of origin. The gravel road is good, but narrow and steep in places. It is not suitable for trailers.

Introduction to Lewis and Clark Expedition:

The Lewis and Clark expedition, known as the Corp of Discovery, lasted from May 1804 to September 1806. The four weeks from August 10, 1805 to September 4, 1805, were spent in Eastern Idaho. During this short period of time they were able to acquire the horses that were so critical to finish the passage over the rugged rocky mountain range before winter set in. This is also the birth place of Sacagawea, native Indian guide and interpreter, and where she was reunited with her family and people.

Background:

President Thomas Jefferson acquired the Louisiana Territory from France in April 1803. Shortly thereafter, Congress approved a plan to send an expedition to explore the territory which had doubled the size of the United States. President Jefferson appointed his 28 year old personal secretary, Captain Meriwhether Lewis to head the company. Lewis selected his friend and former military leader, William Cark, as his second in command.

Departing Wood River, Illinois in May 1804, the expedition traveled up the Missouri River. During their first winter camp, they encountered and then employed the services of a French fur trapper, Troussaint Charbonneau, and his Indian wife, Sacagawea, to guide them to the headwaters of the Missouri River. They would also translate for the Corp.