In Southern Illinois, Camp River DuBois, located along the Mississippi River in Madison County, will this Saturday and Sunday (Dec 13-14, 2008) host a celebration of the 105th anniversary of the arrival of the Lewis and Clark expedition at the site.
Several reenactors portraying expedition soldiers will share information about the winter of 1803-1804 and the temporary home for the party. There will be a shooting demonstration, the reenactors will prepare food, launder clothes, mount guard, and handle other duties which would've been routine for the expedition members.
Visitors are free to roam the camp, ask questions of the reenacters, and visit the rebuilt fort (slightly larger than the original to accomodate movement of visitors). The fort is located behind the multi-media Interpretive Center where several exhibitors will be set up, included noted Missouri artist Carolyn Bacon. A reception will be held from 1-3 pm Saturday to meet and talk with Bacon.
In December 1803, the two explorers arrived at the spot where they would construct their small fort and winter-over in preparation for their expedition of exploration West. From Camp River DuBois, the two recruited, gathered supplies, acquired information on what was known of the West at the time, and drilled their men.
The precise location of the fort is unknown and may be under the Mississippi River. In fact, nearby Wood River, Illinois, contests Hartford's claim and has its own volunteer-built fort. Wood River history bufffs point out that the mouth of the Missouri River is today opposite Hartford, but in Lewis and Clark's time, it was across from present-day Wood River. It was the proximity to the mouth of the Missouri that determined the location of the camp by Lewis and Clark.
Admission is free. Hours are 10am to 4pm both days.
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