William Clark - U.S. Explorer and Adventurer
Military Life Prepared Clark for the Corps of Discovery
May 4, 2009
It seemed that the genetic disposition of William Clark was already determined for adventure, excitement and exploration. William's parents, John and Ann Clark seemed to have had an affinity for choosing residences on the boundaries of the expanding western American frontier from the mid-late 1700s.
The first home of the Clark family was located in central Virginia. They relocated two more times ending up in Louisville, Kentucky (2vcdh.virginia.edu).
Revolutionary War Heroes
Perhaps, the military exploits of his two brothers created a thirst in William to pursue military life as well.
George and Jonathan Clark, William's older brother's, received public acclaim as Revolutionary War heroes. By the close of the Revolutionary War, both brothers had earned the rank of General for their dedication to the freedom war effort.
William's Military Career
William Clark was born August 1, 1770. The year 1789 marked William's introduction into military life. He gained considerable experience protecting the frontier settlers from Indian attacks within the Ohio Valley. William served under Major John Heredin, General Charles Scott and General Anthony Wayne. The battles William fought in were: St. Clair's Incursion, The Whiskey Rebellion (enraged Pennsylvania residents rebelled against an excise tax on whiskey), and the Battle of Fallen Timbers, as well as miscellaneous military endeavors.
Partnership/Friendship with Meriwether Lewis
While serving under General Anthony Wayne, Clark's path intersected with the path of Meriwether Lewis. They struck up a friendship which endured long after Clark retired from military service.
Corps of Discovery
Even before the Louisiana Territory became American property, President Thomas Jefferson was planning to have that land mass explored. It so happened that Meriweather Lewis secured a position as the President's personal secretary.
Once the Louisiana Territory officially became American soil, Lewis was appointed as Captain of the Louisiana Territory exploration expedition. He asked Clark to join him and share the leadership role. All involved parties became known as the Corps of Discovery.
The Journey
To prepare for this journey and the tasks that lay ahead, William studied Astronomy and Cartography. He traveled along the Ohio and Missouri Rivers all the way north to the Mandan Village of N. Dakota. From there the Corps of Discovery traversed through the Bitteroot Mountains to the Columbia River and finally to the Pacific Ocean.
Clark and Lewis chose different paths on the return trip. William and his group scoured the Yellowstone River. He carved his name and date on a rock formation he called "Pompey's Tower", named after the son of Sacagawea, the group's interpreter.
Reunion
Clark and Lewis re-united on the Missouri River for the last miles of the expedition. Both men were well rewarded for their services with money and large tracts of land. Additionally, Clark received an appointment to Indian Affairs in the west. He became Brigadier General of the Militia.
Further Appointments
William Clarks' career also included two terms as Governor of the Missouri Territory. His last public service position was as Superintendent of Indian Affairs in St. Louis.
Clark's Family
Julia Hancock became Clark's first wife in 1808. This union produced five children. However, Clark lost both his wife, a son and a daughter.
Harriet Kennerly Radford, became Clark's second spouse. This union produced two children, one died in infancy.
Now two times a widower, in addition to caring for his own children he cared for the children of Sacagawea after her death.
Clark's Contribution to American History
His detailed notes/journals and maps helped to advance the settling of the American western frontier. Clark left this world on September 1, 1838, hailed as one of America's greatest explorers.
Sources
Biography.com
Early America.com
Pbs.org
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