The Lewis and Clark Expedition, which took place from 1804 to 1806, is one of the most significant explorations in American history. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the expedition aimed to explore the newly acquired western territories of the United States, particularly seeking a water route to the Pacific Ocean. Central to their journey were the boats they used, particularly a keelboat and two pirogues.
The primary vessel used by the Corps of Discovery was a keelboat, which was essential for navigating the rivers and transporting supplies and crew. This boat was designed specifically for the expedition by Meriwether Lewis and built in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The keelboat was a large, flat-bottomed craft that could navigate shallow waters and was propelled by oars, sails, poles, and towlines. It measured 55 feet in length and had a carrying capacity of 12 tons.
In addition to the keelboat, Lewis and Clark utilized two pirogues. These smaller boats were crucial for navigating narrower waterways and were used to transport additional supplies and personnel. The first pirogue, known as the “Red Pirogue,” was about 41 feet long and capable of carrying approximately nine tons. The second pirogue, referred to as the “White Pirogue,” was slightly smaller at 39 feet long with an 8-ton capacity.
| Boat Type | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Keelboat | 55 feet long, 12 tons capacity |
| Red Pirogue | 41 feet long, 9 tons capacity |
| White Pirogue | 39 feet long, 8 tons capacity |
The Keelboat: Design and Functionality
The keelboat was a remarkable vessel designed for the specific needs of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Built under Lewis’s supervision in 1803, it featured a robust construction that made it suitable for the challenging river conditions they would encounter.
The keelboat’s dimensions were 55 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and it had a draft of about 3 to 4 feet. This shallow draft allowed it to navigate through shallow waters that were common along the Missouri River. The design included a 32-foot mast for sailing, along with 22 oars for rowing when necessary.
One of the notable features of this keelboat was its ability to be propelled in multiple ways: it could be rowed with oars, sailed with its rigging, or moved using poles or towlines. This versatility was crucial as the expedition faced varying river conditions throughout their journey.
The keelboat also served as a storage vessel for supplies needed for the expedition. It had a cargo hold that could accommodate up to 12 tons of goods, including scientific instruments, food supplies, and personal belongings of the crew. Additionally, it was equipped with defensive capabilities: a swivel cannon mounted at the bow and two blunderbusses provided protection against potential threats from hostile encounters.
The Role of Pirogues in the Expedition
While the keelboat was central to the expedition’s logistics, the two pirogues played equally important roles in facilitating travel along narrower sections of rivers where larger vessels could not operate effectively.
The first pirogue acquired by Lewis was known as the “Red Pirogue.” This flat-bottomed boat measured approximately 41 feet in length and could carry around nine tons of cargo. It was primarily used for transporting supplies that reduced the draft of the keelboat when navigating downriver.
The second pirogue, referred to as the “White Pirogue,” was slightly smaller at about 39 feet long with an 8-ton capacity. This boat became essential after Lewis picked it up at Fort Kaskaskia along with additional crew members. The White Pirogue carried critical supplies such as journals and scientific equipment after the keelboat was sent back to St. Louis.
Both pirogues were equipped with sails and oars, allowing them to maneuver effectively through various river conditions. Their design mirrored that of Native American dugout canoes but incorporated European construction techniques.
Journey Overview: From Pittsburgh to St. Louis
The journey began on May 14, 1804, when Lewis and Clark set off from Camp Wood near St. Charles, Missouri. They traveled approximately 10,600 miles, with about 85% of this distance covered by boat.
Initially departing from Pittsburgh on August 31, 1803, Lewis navigated downriver until he met Clark at Clarksville, Indiana on October 26. Together with their crew of about thirty-eight men, they set out towards Fort Kaskaskia before continuing upstream on the Missouri River.
Throughout their travels on these boats, they encountered numerous challenges including difficult currents, shallow waters, and hostile encounters with Native American tribes. The keelboat’s design allowed them to adapt to these challenges effectively while maintaining their mission’s objectives.
In spring 1805, after reaching Fort Mandan in present-day North Dakota where they wintered over during their first year out west, they sent the keelboat back downriver loaded with scientific artifacts intended for President Thomas Jefferson.
Key Challenges Faced During Navigation
Navigating rivers like the Missouri presented significant challenges for Lewis and Clark’s team. The shallow depths often required them to employ various techniques for moving their boats forward.
- Poling: Crew members would use long poles to push against the riverbed when water levels were low.
- Cordelling: This technique involved walking along riverbanks while pulling boats with ropes.
- Rowing: Oars were used extensively when wind conditions favored rowing over sailing.
- Sailing: When conditions permitted, sails provided an efficient means of propulsion.
Each method had its advantages depending on water conditions and terrain encountered during their journey.
Legacy of Lewis and Clark’s Boats
The boats utilized during this historic expedition have left a lasting legacy in American history. They symbolize not only exploration but also ingenuity in overcoming environmental challenges through innovative design.
Today, replicas of both the keelboat and pirogues can be found in various museums dedicated to preserving this important chapter of American history. These replicas serve as educational tools that help illustrate how early explorers navigated uncharted territories using limited resources while adapting to their surroundings.
Additionally, modern reenactments often feature these boats as part of educational programs aimed at teaching new generations about America’s exploration era.
FAQs About What Boat Did Lewis And Clark Use
- What type of boat did Lewis and Clark primarily use?
The primary boat used by Lewis and Clark was a keelboat. - How big was Lewis and Clark’s keelboat?
The keelboat measured 55 feet long with a carrying capacity of 12 tons. - What other boats did they use during their expedition?
In addition to the keelboat, they used two pirogues known as the Red Pirogue and White Pirogue. - What propulsion methods were used on these boats?
The boats could be propelled by oars, sails, poles, or towlines. - What happened to the keelboat after it returned from its journey?
The keelboat was likely auctioned off after returning from its journey back to St. Louis.
The story of Lewis and Clark’s expedition is intertwined with their boats’ functionality and adaptability in exploring America’s vast wilderness. Their journeys laid foundational knowledge about western geography that would influence future explorations and settlements across North America.