Replica of Fort Clatsop near Astoria, Oregon

Lewis and Clark named their winter quarters of 1805-6 after the friendly local Native American tribe, the Clatsops. The Fort was the Corps of Discovery's home for three months. The replica of the Fort was built in the 1950s.

Scott at Gate of Fort Clatsop.

You can see one of the wooden chimneys in background. The National Park Service has a fire going in the Captain's Quarters because it was cold for August (60 degrees) and damp.

Interpretor Explaining the Captains' Quarters
Where Captain Lewis and Captain Clark lived and Worked the Winter of 1805-6

Just to right of Scott's hat, you can see the glow of coals in the fireplace. We wanted to stay since it was so toasty and warm!

Interior of Cabin where Toussaint Charbonneau, his Shoshone wife Sacagawea
and their baby Jean Baptiste lived, next door to the Captains' Quarters.

Woman's Outfit and Child's Cradle in Cabin where Sacagawea lived.

Guard Asleep in Guard House

Same Guard Asleep on Bed

Scott at Gate. We are looking out Main Gate of Fort Clatsop.

Scott in Front of Tree
Notice the Green Moss on the Bark.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition had a hard time at Fort Clatsop. It rained 94 days of the 106 days they stayed here! Everything rotted from the dampness including their clothes. Fleas infested the furs and hides of the bedding. They were miserable with rheumatism and colds from the cold, damp weather.

Spanish Moss on Trees

Lots of spanish moss on trees is evidence of the very wet climate on the coast of Oregon. One resident of the coast said to me, "We think 70 degrees is hot!" It can be 65 and damp on the Oregon coast and 90, sunny and dry sixty miles east in Portland.

Many of the Corps of Discovery wanted to live inland in a better climate, but the Captains Lewis and Clark wanted to live by the coast with the hope of hearing of the arrival of an European ship which could give them passage back home. Though a ship was in the area, the Captains never heard any word. Therefore, the Corps of Discovery had to make the long trip back to Saint Louis, Missouri, by foot, horse and canoe.

Copyright © 2000
Daniel C. Hyde