On or near this date, Lewis and the Mandan delegates reach Wyethville, Virginia—then known as Evansham.[1]Traveling with Meriwether Lewis to Washington City is a Mandan delegation from the Knife River Villages—Chief Sheheke, his wife Yellow Corn, and their son. Speaking Mandan and French was … Continue reading
In Washington City, President Jefferson delivers his annual message to Congress. He reports on the progress of three Western expeditions: Lewis and Clark, Freeman-Custis, and Zebulon Pike.
Wyethville, Virginia
Commercial activity played an important role in the early Wytheville economy. Taverns ranked among the first commercial establishments, providing food and lodging to travelers, town inhabitants, and county citizens in town to attend to court matters or to transact business. One of the earliest taverns was that of John Johnston, which was formerly located at 185 E. Main St. Another was Almarine Marshall’s tavern and store. Both of these establishments were in existence by the mid-1790s.[2]“Wyethville Historic District”, National Register of Historic Places registration form (Wyeth County, Virginia), … Continue reading
View of Wyethville c. 1845
Generated from the original engraving from Henry Howe’s Historical Collections of Virginia (1845), available at commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Historical_Collections_of_Virginia_-_Wytheville.jpg.
Jefferson’s Annual Message to Congress
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
Dec. 2. 06.
To the Senate & House of Representatives of the US. of America, in Congress assembled.
The expedition of Messrs. Lewis & Clarke for exploring the river Missouri, and the best communication from that to the Pacific ocean, has had all the success which could have been expected. they have traced the Missouri nearly to it’s source, descended the Columbia to the Pacific ocean, ascertained with accuracy the geography of that interesting communication across our continent, learnt the character of the country, of it’s commerce & inhabitants; & it is but justice to say that Messrs. Lewis & Clarke, & their brave companions, have, by this arduous service, deserved well of their country.
The Freeman and Custis Expedition
The attempt to explore the Red river, under the direction of mr Freeman, though conducted with a zeal & prudence meriting entire approbation, has not been equally succesful. after proceeding up it about 600. miles, nearly as far as the French establishments had extended while the country was in their possession, our geographers were obliged to return without compleating their work.
The Zebulon Pike Expedition
Very useful additions have also been made to our knolege of the Missisipi by Lieutt. Pike, who has ascended it to it’s source, & whose journal & map giving the details of his journey, will shortly be ready for communication to both houses of Congress. those of Messrs. Lewis, Clarke and Freeman will require further time to be digested & prepared. these important surveys, in addition to those before possessed, furnish materials for commencing an accurate map of the Missisipi & it’s Western waters. some principal rivers however remain still to be explored, towards which the authorisation of Congress, by moderate appropriations, will be requisite
Th: Jefferson[4]Founders Online, National Archives, founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/99-01-02-4615.
Notes
| ↑1 | Traveling with Meriwether Lewis to Washington City is a Mandan delegation from the Knife River Villages—Chief Sheheke, his wife Yellow Corn, and their son. Speaking Mandan and French was interpreter René Jusseaume who brought one of his wives and two children. Expedition private François Labiche was included to translate between French and English. Finally, records indicate expedition sergeant John Ordway was serving as Lewis’s assistant. During this time, William Clark remained at his home at the Falls of the Ohio. |
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| ↑2 | “Wyethville Historic District”, National Register of Historic Places registration form (Wyeth County, Virginia), www.dhr.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/139-0029_Wytheville_Historic_District_1994_Final_Nomination.pdf. |
| ↑3 | For more about Wyethville, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wytheville,_Virginia, accessed 15 October 2026 |
| ↑4 | Founders Online, National Archives, founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/99-01-02-4615. |
Experience the Lewis and Clark Trail
The Lewis and Clark Trail Experience—our sister site at lewisandclark.travel—connects the world to people and places on the Lewis and Clark Trail.
Discover More
- The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
- The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
- The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.
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