Lewis And Clark State Historic Site To Host Departure Commemoration May 9-10

SPRINGFIELD – Visitors are invited to commemorate the 222nd anniversary of the start of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with the annual Point of Departure Commemoration May 9-10 at the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Madison County.

The free event will feature military demonstrators, historic artisans and hands-on history displays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. Artisans will demonstrate candle making, leatherworking, tanning, gunsmithing, spinning, blacksmithing and woodworking.

Military reenactors will portray soldiers of the Lewis and Clark Expedition’s Corps of Discovery. Interpreting the “White Pirogue” replica of the Expedition’s boat, these reenactors will reveal the grueling task of navigating against the Missouri River. The War of 1812 American 2nd Regiment Artillery will discuss the war in which many Lewis and Clark Expedition members served while demonstrating black powder muskets and firing artillery.

Historian Jeffrey Edison will share York’s role in the Expedition as an enslaved servant to Captain William Clark. This often-overlooked member of the journey played an important role in its success.

Additionally, an Education Day will take place at the site on Friday, May 8, offering a preview of the event for more than 550 students from nine school districts representing Illinois and Missouri. Students will participate in dozens of hands-on learning stations led by presenters from The Nature Institute, Pere Marquette State Park, Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site, Audubon Center at the Riverlands, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois State Museum.

Education Day is supported by the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery through financial contributions and volunteer support.

The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site is located at 1 Lewis and Clark Trail in Hartford. The Interpretive Center highlights Illinois’ role in the Corps of Discovery’s preparations as members wintered in the area from December 1803 to May 1804. The site is open daily during the summer from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The site is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and supported by the Lewis and Clark Society of America.

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