Review Article for Rivers, Edens, Empires: Lewis & Clark and the Revealing of America

As Thomas Jefferson was the driving force behind the expedition, Rivers, Edens, Empires includes a sampling of his papers, which in retrospect proved to be significant to the Lewis and Clark expedition. Four of Jefferson’s papers are included: Jefferson’s Cipher (1802), Jefferson’s Secret Message to Congress (1803) and Jefferson’s Instructions for Meriwether Lewis (1803). and Jefferson's Speech to a Delegation of Indian Chiefs (1806). Jefferson’s Cipher is an interesting piece, though never used in the expedition; it nonetheless displayed Jefferson’s desire for communication with the Corps of Discovery. Jefferson’s Instructions for Meriwether Lewis is here deemed as the most historically significant of the three manuscripts, as it mapped out all future plans for western exploration: passage to the West and the discovery of new flora, fauna and native cultures. This letter essentially became a model for other empires to use in justifying expansion and conquest, under the guise of manifest destiny, enlightenment and scientific exploration. Jefferson’s famous Speech to a Delegation of Indian Chiefs was written after the expedition in 1806. In this well-known speech, Jefferson stresses both the United States’ intention to strengthen relations with Native Americans, as well as the ultimate superiority of the United States over Native Americans. Jefferson’s speech is immediately followed by the 1806 Indian Speech to Jefferson. The sequential placement of these two speeches clearly depicts the relational dynamics between the United States government and Native American nations in the early eighteenth century. Other displays, which portrayed Native Americans, are Lewis’s journal entry upon meeting the Shoshones (Lewis and Clark Meet the Shoshones, 1805), and Clark's Drawings of Indian Canoes (1806).

The three images that are shown in this exhibit are View of the Chasm through which the Platte issues from the Rocky Mountains (1823), Lewis and Clark in Council with Indians (1812) and Clark's Drawing of the Falls and Portage of the Missouri (1805). These images add a sense of narrative to the exhibit. One image, View of the Chasm through which the Platte issues from the Rocky Mountains portrays the moment when Lewis met with the Continental Divide at Lemhi Pass. This crucial moment, when all hopes for a passageway through the Rocky Mountains was finally tested. The use of visual pieces complements the use of text throughout the exhibit.

In addition to showing manuscripts, maps and images, Rivers, Eden’s and Empires exhibits several historical objects such as the Jefferson Peace Medal, a Botanical Specimen taken from the expedition, William Clark's Compass and Case, an Upper Missouri Calumet or Peace Pipe and a firearm called Blunderbuss. The Jefferson Peace Medal reminds the viewer of the crucial role Thomas Jefferson played in the story of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

In summary, Rivers, Edens Empires successfully depicts the Lewis and Clark expedition. The use of various media gives further dimension to the exhibit. Perhaps most interesting is the collection of maps chosen for Rivers, Edens, Empires. They visually represent the geographic perspective, hopes and inspiration of Thomas Jefferson as well as Lewis and Clark.

The website URL for Rivers, Edens, Empires: Lewis & Clark and the Revealing of America is: www.loc.gov/exhibits/lewisandclark.

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Review Article for Rivers, Edens, Empires: Lewis & Clark and the Revealing of America

Rare Book Monthly

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Review Article for Rivers, Edens, Empires: Lewis & Clark and the Revealing of America

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