Illinois History Forum: Illinois’ Important Role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition

The 217th anniversary of the U.S. flag officially flying over St. Louis to mark the completion of the Louisiana Purchase is the starting point for a conversation between the ALPLM and the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site that looks back at this key moment in U.S. history.

Join ALPLM Illinois and Midwest Historian Jacob K. Friefeld and Brad Winn, the Site Superintendent from the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site as they explore the important role Illinois played in the launch of the famed expedition into the new lands led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, as well as the impact the Louisiana Purchase would have on the young nation’s westward expansion.

To watch this Facebook LIVE! event, please go to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Facebook page. Then open the page at the appointed time and scroll to the post highlighting the live event. Once you’re there, simply click on the image and watch the live video stream.

ABOUT THE LEWIS AND CLARK STATE HISTORIC SITE: The site was opened in 2002 and is operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation. It’s located in Hartford, Illinois and commemorates Camp River Dubois, the first winter camp of the Lewis and Clark Expedition from December 1803 to May 1804. The site includes a 14,000-square-foot interpretive center and an outdoor replica of Camp River Dubois. The interpretive center contains a theater, multiple hands-on exhibits and displays, and a 55-foot full-scale cutaway keelboat.