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Historical

Fifteen communities have been selected by the National Council of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial as sites for national heritage signature events during the bicentennial commemoration of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 2003-2006. Each community was chosen for its place in the expedition's chronology, its historical relevance, cultural diversity, tribal involvement, geographic location, and sponsoring organizations' capacity. The following calendar describes the events and provides additional information for those interested in observing or participating in them.

BICENTENNIAL INAUGURAL
When: Jan. 18, 2003
Where: Charlottesville, Va.
What: The Thomas Jefferson Foundation will inaugurate the national commemoration of the Lewis and Clark Expedition bicentennial and mark President Jefferson's stewardship of the historic trek across North America with a gala event on the grounds of Jefferson's mountaintop home. The event will feature formal ceremonies, music, and speakers with dignitaries representing the federal government, states associated with the expedition, federal and state agencies, and Native American tribes, nations, and confederations in attendance. The bicentennial inaugural event will be the centerpiece of "Jefferson's West: A Lewis and Clark Exposition," a festival of talks, performances, and other programs to be held at Monticello, the University of Virginia, and other Charlottesville-area sites from Jan. 14 to Jan. 19. On Jan. 16, a major exhibition, "Framing the West at Monticello: Thomas Jefferson and the Lewis and Clark Expedition," will open in the Entrance Hall of Monticello. The exhibition will re-create the appearance of the "Indian Hall" in which Jefferson displayed items sent back by Lewis and Clark, and will remain in place throughout 2003.
Online: www.monticello.org/jefferson/lewisandclark/exposition.html
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FALLS OF THE OHIO
When: October 14-26, 2003
Where: Louisville, Ky., and Clarksville, Ind.
What: The 13 day-commemoration will open with the reenactment of Lewis' arrival in Louisville and meeting with William Clark on Oct. 14. It will close with the reenactment of the Corps of Discovery's departure from Clarksville on Oct. 26. Between those dates, extensive Native American and African American programs, educational programs, a symposium with renowned speakers, Corps of Discovery II exhibits and programs, St. Charles Expedition programs, special exhibits and programs at area institutions, arts exhibits and performances, and the expanded annual Lewis and Clark River Festival will showcase the role the Falls of the Ohio area and its residents played in the success of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Online: fallsoftheohio.org/lewisandclark.html
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THREE FLAGS CEREMONY
When: March 12-14, 2004
Where: St. Louis, Mo.
What: The National Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial Committee will host the Three Flags Ceremony to observe the 200th anniversary of the transfer of Louisiana Territory from Spain and France to the United States. Invited guests will include the King of Spain, President of France, President of the United States, governors of all states created out of the Louisiana Purchase, and the heads of tribal governments whose homelands were affected. On sites surrounding the grounds of the Gateway Arch, activity areas will feature the cultures of the Louisiana Territory -French, Spanish, Anglo-American, and Osage-through interactive displays relating the legacies of the these cultures in America and highlighting the roles of these cultures in today's world. Musical performances and, possibly, an Air Force flyover will precede the ceremony.
Online: louisianapurchase.umsl.edu
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EXPEDITION'S DEPARTURE: CAMP RIVER DUBOIS
When: May 13-16, 2004
Where: Hartford and Wood River, Ill.
What: Hartford and Wood River, Ill., will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Corps of Discovery's final departure on May 14, 1804 from its winter encampment at Camp River DuBois. On this day, the Discovery Expedition re-enactors will board their boats and launch from the eastern bank of the Mississippi into the mouth of the Missouri River to begin their journey into the West. The public is invited to visit the new Lewis and Clark Visitor Center and Camp River DuBois fort replica in Hartford, and to enjoy musical and dramatic entertainment, and period heritage craft and skill demonstrations.
Online: www.lewisandclarkillinois.org
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THE EXPEDITION FACES WEST
When: May 14-23, 2004
Where: St. Charles, Mo.
What: A replica of Lewis and Clark's keelboat will arrive in Saint Charles on May 15 from Camp River DuBois, kicking off more than a week of events. The St. Charles Corps of Discovery keelboat and pirogues will be on display throughout the event and crew members will be available to meet and talk with visitors as they prepare for the journey westward. Weekends will include colorful reveille and retreat ceremonies with over 25 fife and drum corps and military units from across the United States. An authentic reenactment of Lewis and Clark's encampment will be a focal point of the event. Foods from the time period, 19th century crafts, a Native American encampment, and horse and carriage parades will continue through the event.
Online: www.lewisandclarkstcharles.com
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HEART OF AMERICA: A JOURNEY FOURTH
When: July 3-4 , 2004
Where: Atchison and Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and Kansas City, Mo.
What: The Missouri River communities of Atchison, Fort Leavenworth and Kansas City will salute the first Independence Day celebrated in the American West. On July 4, 1804, the expedition celebrated the 28th birthday of the Declaration of Independence by firing its swivel cannon and enjoying an extra ration of whiskey. Kansas City-area events will include a spectacular Fourth of July fireworks display over the Missouri River.
Online: www.visitkc.com
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FIRST TRIBAL COUNCIL
When: July 31-Aug. 3, 2004
Where: Fort Atkinson Historical Park, Fort Calhoun, Neb.
What: This event will include an outdoor dramatic reenactment of the first council between the Corps of Discovery and the Otoe and Missouri tribes, as well as the Nebraska Lewis and Clark Powwow, in Omaha, Nebraska. Every tribe along the Lewis and Clark trail, as well s tribes throughout North America will be invited to participate in the Powwow.
Online: www.visitnebraska.org
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OCETI SAKOWIN: REMEMBERING AND EDUCATION
When: Aug. 27-28, 2004
Where: Chanberlain/Oacoma, S.D.
What: This event will focus on the history and culture of Oceti Sakowin, the Seven Council Fires of the Sioux people, before, during and after Lewis and Clark visited. It will include a festival at the Circle of Tipis, and an opportunity to visit Greenwood, S.D., where Lewis and Clark met the Yankton Sioux, for a variety of events showcasing tribal culture and arts.
Online: www.travelsd.com
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CIRCLE OF CULTURES: TIME OF RENEWAL AND CHANGE
When: Oct. 22-31, 2004
Where: Bismarck, N.D.
What: This event will showcase the place Lewis and Clark wintered in 1804-05 and introduce visitors to the thriving, centuries-old trading center of the Northern Plains.
Online: www.fortlincoln.com
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EXPLORE THE BIG SKY
When: June 2- July 4, 2005
Where: Great Falls, Mont.
What: Activities will bring to life Lewis and Clark's decision at the fork of the Marias and Missouri rivers, their discovery of the Great Falls of the Missouri, encounters with grizzly bears, the portage around the falls, and their celebration of their second Fourth of July during the expedition. Activities will include re-enactments, symposiums, museum exhibits, concerts, an opera, traditional Indian villages, tribal games, literature festivals, art shows, scenic tours, river tours, and art shows.
Online: www.explorethebigsky.com
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DESTINATION 2005 - THE PACIFIC
When: Nov. 24-27, 2005
Where: Fort Clatsop National Memorial, Astoria, Oregon What: To coincide with the 200th anniversary of the Corps of Discovery's historic arrival at the Pacific Ocean, the Lower Columbia region will host a national observance of the corps' Fort Clatsop sojourn. The event will center around Fort Clatsop National Memorial and other Lewis and Clark sites. It will commemorate the historic vote of all Corps members to determine where to stay the winter, and examine the cultural exchanges and scientific fruits of that long, wet stay.
Online: www.nps.gov/focl, www.lewisandclarkwa.org
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THE NEZ PERCE TRIBE AND THE STATE OF IDAHO
When: June 14-17, 2006
Where: Lewiston, Nez Perce Historical National Park, Clearwater Casino, Heart of the Monster, Idaho
What: TBA
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CLARK ON THE YELLOWSTONE
When: July 25, 2006
Where: Pompey's Pillar, Billings, Mont.
What: This event will focus on Clark's journey down the Yellowstone and the inscription of his name on Pompey's Pillar, the only remaining physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Visitors will be greeted by a new interpretive center and activities including river floats, historical reenactments and Native American games.
Online: www.clarkontheyellowstone.org
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HOME OF SAKAKAWEA
When: Aug. 17-20, 2006
Where: North Dakota
What: To mark the 200th anniversary of the Corps of Discovery's return to the Knife River Villages, the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes will host events focusing on their history and on the contributions of the expedition's only woman. Activities will include an Indian arts market and trade show, men's traditional dance tournament, cultural demonstrations and reenactments and tours.
Online: www.mhanation.com
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ST. LOUIS: JEFFERSON EXPANSION MEMORIAL
When: Early Fall 2006
Where: The greater St. Louis metropolitan area
What: On Sept. 23, 1806, the Lewis and Clark Expedition officially ended when the explorers arrived in St. Louis, Mo. In commemoration of the bicentennial of this event the National Park Service and a consortium of state, county and local groups will recreate the arrival of Lewis and Clark in St. Louis. A flotilla of watercraft will originate at various historic sites on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, and converge on the St. Louis waterfront.
Online: www.nps.gov/jeff/lewisclark2/homepage/homepage.htm
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