The Corps of Discovery, a crew of over 40 men led by Captain Clark, leaves Camp Dubois in Wood River, Illinois, on May 14, 1804. They are traveling aboard 3 boats: 1 huge 55 feet long keelboat and two pirogues. They pick up their co-captain, Meriwether Lewis, in St-Louis. On May 25, they reach the last settlement of white men on the Missouri River, a agglomeration of seven habitations named La Charette. On the Fourth of July, they celebrate by firing the cannon of the keelboat and drinking in a creek they christen Independence Creek.
This study guide includes the following sections: Plot Summary, Chapter Summaries & Analysis, Characters, Objects/Places, Themes, Style, Quotes, and Topics for Discussion.