N3837

Lewis & Clark Expedition - Bicentennial

Fred's Anecdotal Note

Fort Clatsop

On Dec. 6, 1805, Lewis led the expedition to what would be the site of Fort Clatsop. Upon seeing the location, Clark deemed it in his journal a "most eligible situation." The fort would be built on a small hill about three miles from the ocean where salt could be made. Deer and elk were abundant, and a close spring provided water.

For a week, large fir trees were cut and split. The fort was constructed about fifty feet square with two facing structures connected by palisade walls. Between the two buildings was an open area about 50x20 feet designated the parade ground. One of the structures had three rooms for the enlisted men. The other contained four rooms: Lewis and Clark shared one; Sacajawea, Charbonneau, and baby Pomp had another; the third was an orderly room; and the last was the smokehouse for preserving meat. A sergeant-of-the-guard and 3 privates were always on duty in the orderly room, and a sentinel walked the parade ground 24 hours a day. Old Glory was flown proudly.