Lewis & Clark

Over the cource of their expedition, Lewis & Clark came into contact with over 50 Indian tribes. They developed a ritual that they used when meeting a tribe for the first time. The captains would explain to the tribal leaders that the their land now belonged to the United States, and that a man far in the east, esident Thomas Jefferson, was their new “great father.” They would also give the Indians a peace medal with Jefferson on one side and two hands clasping on the other, as well as some form of presents (often trade goods). Then they would perform a kind of parade, marching in uniform and shooting their guns.