Welcome to the End of the Lewis & Clark National Historical Trail in Seaside, Oregon. This location marks a significant endpoint for one of the most remarkable journeys in American history—the Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, this U.S. military expedition set out in 1804 with the mission to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase and find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean. Over two years, the expedition covered nearly 8,000 miles, encountering diverse landscapes and Indigenous tribes.
By November 1805, the Corps reached the Pacific Ocean, culminating their arduous journey. During their stay near present-day Seaside, Oregon, they established Fort Clatsop as their winter quarters. This fort was located in the homeland of the Clatsop and Chinook people, who played a crucial role in the survival and success of the expedition during the harsh winter months. The team spent their time here preparing for their return journey, which they began in March 1806.
Among the notable figures who traveled with the expedition was Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman who acted as an interpreter and guide. Her presence was vital in establishing peaceful relations with Indigenous tribes. Additionally, York, an African American man enslaved by William Clark, made significant contributions to the expedition, becoming the first known African American to cross the continent and see the Pacific Ocean.
Today, the site near Seaside is part of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, which includes trails and replicas commemorating the expedition’s legacy. The journey these explorers undertook paved the way for future westward expansion and illustrated the vast and diverse landscapes of the American continent.
