The
Lewis and Clark site commemorates Camp Dubois, the 1803-1804 winter
camp of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. It was at the camp on
Wood River that members of the Corps of Discovery prepared their
expedition to the Pacific Ocean.
The site’s main feature is interpretive center that contains
a large exhibition gallery, a theatre, and a gift shop. The 14,000
square-foot exhibition area contains six galleries that outline
the background and history of the Lewis and Clark expedition from
its conception to its meaning for today’s America. Perhaps
the most interesting feature is a full-scale replica of the keelboat
used by the Corps of Discovery to ascend the Missouri River. One
side is cut away to show the interior space and how the vessel was
carefully loaded with provisions for the journey. The Convergence
Theater provides a 12-minute video orientation presentation that
uses high-impact visuals and surround sound to tell the story of
Camp River Dubois and the preparations for the expedition. The Store
of Discovery is a gift shop whose proceeds benefit site programs.
A
“reconstruction” of the winter camp is located on the
grounds near the visitor center. Its design reflects 1803 U.S. Army
regulations for the construction of military posts. A nearby memorial
structure overlooks the modern meeting point of the Mississippi
and Missouri rivers. The memorial at the Mississippi-Missouri rivers
convergence site consists of a circular colonnade composed of eleven
columns. On each column, representing one of the present-day states
crossed by the expedition, a plaque outlines activities of the Corps
of Discovery in that state.
Visitors can view the exhibition galleries, video presentation,
“reconstructed” camp, and rivers convergence overlook
at their leisure. The visitor center is accessible to persons with disabilities.
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A traveling exhibit is available through our Southern Partnership Project. To schedule the Indians of Southern Illinois exhibit for display at your facility please contact Cindy Upchurch at 618-251-5811 for availability and booking information. The exhibit displays 14,000 years of Indian history from the southern region of the state. Based on availability, the display is available for pickup only at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. This allows us to hold a brief training session on set up and packaging of the display. |
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