Lewis and Clark are to the Northwest as cheese is to cheeseburgers.  They are part of our history and everywhere in our present. (Lewis & Clark, not cheese)  On this day in history their diary records them saying "Ocean in view!"

Not so fast.  It was just the estuary -- 20 miles short of the Pacific and bad weather would pin them down for a few days more.Then on November 15, 1805, Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Volunteers for Northwestern Discovery reached the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the Columbia River, one year, six months, and one day after leaving St. Louis, Missouri, in search of the legendary "Northwest Passage" to the sea.

By the time they arrived at the ocean, Lewis and Clark knew that the Northwest Passage did not exist.  The rivers were rougher, faster and more treacherous than they had imagined so there would be no lazy cruise to the west coast.  But they open up the west, documented the people and wildlife and reached a status that has them emblazoned on road signs throughout the region.

Well played Merriwether, well played William. Even if today was not THE day.

 

ean-Erick PASQUIER/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
ean-Erick PASQUIER/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
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