Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Friday, April 21, 2017
Documentation of Biota West of the Mississippi River
From Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail:
One of Thomas Jefferson’s goals for the Expedition was to document much of what the men encountered throughout this newly acquired section of North America. In today’s Lewis and Clark 101 post, we’ll look at the plants and animals documented along the journey.
The Captains wrote about and described at least 120 mammals, birds, reptiles and fish during the 28-month journey, many of which had not been documented before. They seemed to be most amazed at the bison, the grizzly bears and the tiny black-tailed prairie dogs (one was captured and sent back alive to President Jefferson).
Over 180 plant species were recorded and collected, including information about habitat, growth and uses by the American Indians.
The explorers discovered about 80 species new to science, including future state flowers for Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Their collections formed the basis for the first major scientific publication that described and illustrated the plants west of the Mississippi River.
Clearly, the Expedition was more than a sightseeing mission to satisfy the curiosity of the new nation – it was one of scientific exploration.
Learn more about #LewisandClarkNHT National Park Week events: https://go.usa.gov/xXS59
#LewisandClarkNHT101 #LewisandClarkNHT#LewisandClark
One of Thomas Jefferson’s goals for the Expedition was to document much of what the men encountered throughout this newly acquired section of North America. In today’s Lewis and Clark 101 post, we’ll look at the plants and animals documented along the journey.
The Captains wrote about and described at least 120 mammals, birds, reptiles and fish during the 28-month journey, many of which had not been documented before. They seemed to be most amazed at the bison, the grizzly bears and the tiny black-tailed prairie dogs (one was captured and sent back alive to President Jefferson).
Over 180 plant species were recorded and collected, including information about habitat, growth and uses by the American Indians.
The explorers discovered about 80 species new to science, including future state flowers for Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Their collections formed the basis for the first major scientific publication that described and illustrated the plants west of the Mississippi River.
Clearly, the Expedition was more than a sightseeing mission to satisfy the curiosity of the new nation – it was one of scientific exploration.
Learn more about #LewisandClarkNHT National Park Week events: https://go.usa.gov/xXS59
#LewisandClarkNHT101 #LewisandClarkNHT#LewisandClark
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Trail Ridge Road
From Rocky Mountain National Park:
Rocky 101 - Scenic Drives: RMNP is home to Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuously paved road in the country taking you to 12,183 ft above sea level! Trail Ridge opens, weather permitting, the weekend of Memorial Day. There are many other opportunities to take a scenic drive in the Park, from Bear Lake Road, to the drive up the Kawuneeche Valley, to the Peak to Peak Scenic byway! Heed all traffic signs and make sure to fully pull off the road in a safe location when taking pictures. #NPS101 #FindYourPark
041817
*****
Rocky 101 - Scenic Drives: RMNP is home to Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuously paved road in the country taking you to 12,183 ft above sea level! Trail Ridge opens, weather permitting, the weekend of Memorial Day. There are many other opportunities to take a scenic drive in the Park, from Bear Lake Road, to the drive up the Kawuneeche Valley, to the Peak to Peak Scenic byway! Heed all traffic signs and make sure to fully pull off the road in a safe location when taking pictures. #NPS101 #FindYourPark
041817
*****
Monday, April 17, 2017
Mountain Finder Plaque at Toll Memorial along Trail Ridge Road
From Rocky Mountain National Park:
Rocky 101- Plan a Trip: Planning ahead will help make the most of your RMNP experience! Helpful tips are coming on weekdays, arriving very early in the morning or coming later in the afternoon to have a better chance of finding parking. Take all the proper supplies with you including food, water and sunscreen. Know before you go, and check in with weather, road status, trail conditions and hours of operation prior to your visit. Rocky is a busy place and planning ahead will help you have a wonderful experience. #NPS101 #FindYourPark
(Photo Mountain Finder Plaque at Toll Memorial along Trail Ridge Road by VIP Ann Schonlau)sl
041717
Rocky 101- Plan a Trip: Planning ahead will help make the most of your RMNP experience! Helpful tips are coming on weekdays, arriving very early in the morning or coming later in the afternoon to have a better chance of finding parking. Take all the proper supplies with you including food, water and sunscreen. Know before you go, and check in with weather, road status, trail conditions and hours of operation prior to your visit. Rocky is a busy place and planning ahead will help you have a wonderful experience. #NPS101 #FindYourPark
(Photo Mountain Finder Plaque at Toll Memorial along Trail Ridge Road by VIP Ann Schonlau)sl
041717
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Dignity
From Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail:
Last September, South Dakota’s newest landmark was unveiled along the banks of the Missouri River, outside Chamberlain. It’s a 50-foot statue depicting a young Native American woman, made entirely out of stainless steel, weighing about 50 tons. It was created by Black Hills artist Dale Lamphere.
Lamphere says the piece, titled “Dignity,” represents “the pride and strength and durability of the native cultures.” He says he worked with three Lakota models in the process of creating the statue, which stands high above Interstate 90. The $1 million project was paid using the generous donation of a Black Hills philanthropist.
Here’s a KELO News story on the statue:http://www.keloland.com/
Last September, South Dakota’s newest landmark was unveiled along the banks of the Missouri River, outside Chamberlain. It’s a 50-foot statue depicting a young Native American woman, made entirely out of stainless steel, weighing about 50 tons. It was created by Black Hills artist Dale Lamphere.
Lamphere says the piece, titled “Dignity,” represents “the pride and strength and durability of the native cultures.” He says he worked with three Lakota models in the process of creating the statue, which stands high above Interstate 90. The $1 million project was paid using the generous donation of a Black Hills philanthropist.
Here’s a KELO News story on the statue:http://www.keloland.com/
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
The Kerchief or Bandana
From Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail:
As the weather warmed, the headwear of the men of the Corps obviously changed. In our short series about the hats of the Expedition, today we’ll present what was likely worn by some of the men from spring through fall – the kerchief or bandana.
The kerchief played several roles – on cooler, windy days, it was used to tie a more traditional hat with a brim to the man’s head, possibly covering his ears from the sting of the air. When the heat of summer set in, bandanas helped keep the sun off their heads and ears, and when dipped in the river, provided periods of coolness. Bandanas were also a limited form of bug protection. Blue, it seems, was the most popular color.
Several references in the journals mention the men trading “handkerchiefs” to the Indians, who also wore them as bandanas.
This painting is a small portion of a mural by artist Gary R. Lucy for the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Southeast Missouri State University.
041117
As the weather warmed, the headwear of the men of the Corps obviously changed. In our short series about the hats of the Expedition, today we’ll present what was likely worn by some of the men from spring through fall – the kerchief or bandana.
The kerchief played several roles – on cooler, windy days, it was used to tie a more traditional hat with a brim to the man’s head, possibly covering his ears from the sting of the air. When the heat of summer set in, bandanas helped keep the sun off their heads and ears, and when dipped in the river, provided periods of coolness. Bandanas were also a limited form of bug protection. Blue, it seems, was the most popular color.
Several references in the journals mention the men trading “handkerchiefs” to the Indians, who also wore them as bandanas.
This painting is a small portion of a mural by artist Gary R. Lucy for the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Southeast Missouri State University.
041117
Monday, April 10, 2017
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Tower Creek Pyramids
From Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail:
In August of 1805, the men of the Corps passed along the Salmon River in what is today eastern Idaho. On a small tributary (today it’s Tower Creek), they spotted an area of unique rock formations which they thought resembled pyramids. Captain Clark wrote, “passed remarkable rock resembling Pirimids on the Left Side”
You can visit the Tower Creek Pyramids Day Use Area and see these strange formations for yourself. Head north out of Salmon, Idaho on Highway 93 for approximately 10 miles. Turn east onto Tower Creek Road and continue for about two miles.
#idaho #ID
040917
In August of 1805, the men of the Corps passed along the Salmon River in what is today eastern Idaho. On a small tributary (today it’s Tower Creek), they spotted an area of unique rock formations which they thought resembled pyramids. Captain Clark wrote, “passed remarkable rock resembling Pirimids on the Left Side”
You can visit the Tower Creek Pyramids Day Use Area and see these strange formations for yourself. Head north out of Salmon, Idaho on Highway 93 for approximately 10 miles. Turn east onto Tower Creek Road and continue for about two miles.
#idaho #ID
040917
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Wild Grape Jelly
#Saturday
From Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail:
There are at least 80 different references to grapes throughout the journals. Every journal writer mentions the fruit multiple times, with the first entry on May 30, 1804, when Patrick Gass wrote while the men were encamped in Osage County, Missouri: “Here the soil is good, with cotton wood, sycamore, oak, hickory, and white walnut; with some grape vines, and an abundance of rushes.”
For most Americans, wild grape jelly would have been a treat. Even though making jelly is a relatively easy process, but does require sugar which would have been a luxury for most in the early 19th century.
Here’s a simple recipe, if you’d like to try making your own:
You’ll just need two pounds of wild or domestic grapes and two cups of sugar to make about three cups of jelly. First, mash the grapes in a large saucepan. Bring it to a rolling boil and continue for 15 minutes. Strain the juice through cheesecloth or dishcloth and you’ll have about 1.5 cups of juice. Combine the juice and sugar and bring to a rolling boil again, this time holding for 20 minutes. Skim any residue from the top and pour the mixture into three, 8-ounce jelly jars. Cover and store in the refrigerator, or freeze. Then enjoy on a slice of homemade bread!
040817
From Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail:
There are at least 80 different references to grapes throughout the journals. Every journal writer mentions the fruit multiple times, with the first entry on May 30, 1804, when Patrick Gass wrote while the men were encamped in Osage County, Missouri: “Here the soil is good, with cotton wood, sycamore, oak, hickory, and white walnut; with some grape vines, and an abundance of rushes.”
For most Americans, wild grape jelly would have been a treat. Even though making jelly is a relatively easy process, but does require sugar which would have been a luxury for most in the early 19th century.
Here’s a simple recipe, if you’d like to try making your own:
You’ll just need two pounds of wild or domestic grapes and two cups of sugar to make about three cups of jelly. First, mash the grapes in a large saucepan. Bring it to a rolling boil and continue for 15 minutes. Strain the juice through cheesecloth or dishcloth and you’ll have about 1.5 cups of juice. Combine the juice and sugar and bring to a rolling boil again, this time holding for 20 minutes. Skim any residue from the top and pour the mixture into three, 8-ounce jelly jars. Cover and store in the refrigerator, or freeze. Then enjoy on a slice of homemade bread!
040817
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Maple Sugaring Day
#Thursday
From Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail:
Celebrate Maple Sugaring Day, this Saturday, April 8, at Fort Stevenson State Park, North Dakota. The event, in its third year, will give everyone an opportunity to see how to make maple syrup – from tapping box elder trees for sap to boiling it down to make the syrup. (Did you know that box elders are members of the maple family?) A free-will pancake and sausage breakfast will be served, so you can taste the freshly made, pure syrup on the spot! Hours will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fort Stevenson State Park is on the shores of Lake Sakakawea, just south of Garrison, ND.
040617
From Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail:
Celebrate Maple Sugaring Day, this Saturday, April 8, at Fort Stevenson State Park, North Dakota. The event, in its third year, will give everyone an opportunity to see how to make maple syrup – from tapping box elder trees for sap to boiling it down to make the syrup. (Did you know that box elders are members of the maple family?) A free-will pancake and sausage breakfast will be served, so you can taste the freshly made, pure syrup on the spot! Hours will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fort Stevenson State Park is on the shores of Lake Sakakawea, just south of Garrison, ND.
040617
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Ionia Volcano
#Wednesday
From Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail:
Unless you’re from Nebraska, you’ve probably never heard of the Ionia Volcano.
On August 24, 1804, the men of the Expedition traveled up the Missouri River, passing a bluff that caught their attention. Clark wrote that it appeared to be on fire and still very hot: “we Set out at the usial time and proceeded to the Commencement of a blue Clay Bluff of 180 or 190 feet high on the L.S. Those Bluffs appear to have been latterly on fire, and at this time is too hot for a man to bear his hand in the earth at any depth.”
Later, fur traders frequently noticed dense smoke and fire in the area. In 1839, J.N. Nicollet attempted to prove that the phenomena were not of volcanic nature – he theorized that the decomposition of beds of iron pyrites in contact with the river water resulted in a heat capable of igniting other combustible materials (a reaction similar to what happens in those little pouch hand warmers we often use today).
But prior to Nicollet’s theory, early settlers continued to refer to the bluff as Ionia Volcano, giving it the name based on the nearby village of Ionia. An earthquake in 1877 aroused new fears of an impending volcanic eruption and in 1878, the Missouri flooded and eroded the bluffs with a large section falling into the river. The flood nearly destroyed the village of Ionia and volcano “stories” soon died out after the Ionia post office closed in 1907.
Ionia was located northeast of present day Newcastle, which is about 15 miles south of Vermillion, South Dakota.
040517
From Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail:
Unless you’re from Nebraska, you’ve probably never heard of the Ionia Volcano.
On August 24, 1804, the men of the Expedition traveled up the Missouri River, passing a bluff that caught their attention. Clark wrote that it appeared to be on fire and still very hot: “we Set out at the usial time and proceeded to the Commencement of a blue Clay Bluff of 180 or 190 feet high on the L.S. Those Bluffs appear to have been latterly on fire, and at this time is too hot for a man to bear his hand in the earth at any depth.”
Later, fur traders frequently noticed dense smoke and fire in the area. In 1839, J.N. Nicollet attempted to prove that the phenomena were not of volcanic nature – he theorized that the decomposition of beds of iron pyrites in contact with the river water resulted in a heat capable of igniting other combustible materials (a reaction similar to what happens in those little pouch hand warmers we often use today).
But prior to Nicollet’s theory, early settlers continued to refer to the bluff as Ionia Volcano, giving it the name based on the nearby village of Ionia. An earthquake in 1877 aroused new fears of an impending volcanic eruption and in 1878, the Missouri flooded and eroded the bluffs with a large section falling into the river. The flood nearly destroyed the village of Ionia and volcano “stories” soon died out after the Ionia post office closed in 1907.
Ionia was located northeast of present day Newcastle, which is about 15 miles south of Vermillion, South Dakota.
040517
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Sheheke-shote
#Sunday
From Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail:
As the men of the Corps passed by the Mandan villages on their way back to St. Louis in 1806, Captains Lewis and Clark convinced Sheheke-shote to join them to St. Louis, and then travel on to meet President Jefferson in the capital. Known by the Europeans and Americans as White Coyote, Sheheke was the prominent civil chief of the lower or principal Mandan village from 1804-1812.
His wife, Yellow Corn, and their children, traveled with him, along with a translator, Rene Jessuame. First stop was St. Louis, then it was on to Charlottesville, Virginia, and finally to Washington to meet “The Great Father.”
The family’s return would be hampered by numerous delays, including incidents involving intertribal war, but the 36-month trip finally came to an end and the chief and his family were reunited with their Mandan people in September 1809. Even though some of his tribe thought he was too friendly with the whites, and others didn’t believe his fabulous stories of what he saw and experienced in the east, he remained chief until his death as a part of a Sioux attack on the Mandan villages in 1812.
This portrait of Sheheke-shote is by Charles Saint-Memin and was likely painted during his time in Washington.
040217
From Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail:
As the men of the Corps passed by the Mandan villages on their way back to St. Louis in 1806, Captains Lewis and Clark convinced Sheheke-shote to join them to St. Louis, and then travel on to meet President Jefferson in the capital. Known by the Europeans and Americans as White Coyote, Sheheke was the prominent civil chief of the lower or principal Mandan village from 1804-1812.
His wife, Yellow Corn, and their children, traveled with him, along with a translator, Rene Jessuame. First stop was St. Louis, then it was on to Charlottesville, Virginia, and finally to Washington to meet “The Great Father.”
The family’s return would be hampered by numerous delays, including incidents involving intertribal war, but the 36-month trip finally came to an end and the chief and his family were reunited with their Mandan people in September 1809. Even though some of his tribe thought he was too friendly with the whites, and others didn’t believe his fabulous stories of what he saw and experienced in the east, he remained chief until his death as a part of a Sioux attack on the Mandan villages in 1812.
This portrait of Sheheke-shote is by Charles Saint-Memin and was likely painted during his time in Washington.
040217
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